Acadia Parish, Louisiana – On October 18, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I received a report about a collision involving two vehicles on Louisiana Highway 13 near Ellis Road in Acadia Parish at 5:00 p.m. Sadly, the crash resulted in the death of Michael Myers, a 75-year-old resident of Iota, Louisiana.
The initial investigation revealed that Myers was driving a 2009 Hyundai Sonata heading north on LA 13. Simultaneously, Dwayne Thomas was driving a 2023 Ram pickup behind Myers and attempting to pass multiple vehicles traveling in the same direction. As Myers made a left turn to enter Ellis Road, Thomas collided with his Sonata. Both vehicles veered off the road and collided with a utility pole.
Despite wearing a seatbelt, Myers suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office. Thomas, who was also wearing his seatbelt, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.
It is currently unknown if impairment played a role in Myers’ actions; however, toxicology results have been sent for analysis at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. On the other hand, Thomas provided a breath sample indicating no alcohol consumption and showed no signs of impairment.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and charges are pending.
Since the start of 2023, Troop I has investigated 43 fatal crashes resulting in 48 deaths.