Marrero, Louisiana — Louisiana State Police Troop B is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, on Louisiana Highway 3134, just south of Louisiana Highway 45 near the entrance to Parc Des Familles. The incident resulted in the death of 69-year-old Gordon Cordes, a resident of Barataria, Louisiana.
According to preliminary findings released by Louisiana State Police, Cordes was operating a 2020 Ram pickup traveling southbound on LA 3134. For reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway on the left side, subsequently striking a light pole and colliding with multiple trees located in the median. The median is the area that separates opposing lanes of traffic, often designed with landscaping or barriers to enhance safety.
Cordes was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to authorities, but he sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
As part of standard investigative procedures, troopers collected routine toxicology samples from the scene. These samples will be analyzed to determine if impairment was a contributing factor in the crash. Toxicology reports are a common element in traffic incident investigations, used to detect the presence of alcohol or other substances that may affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Louisiana State Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
Louisiana State Police urge all motorists to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits, and ensure that all occupants are properly restrained at all times. While seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury, they cannot eliminate all hazards associated with unpredictable roadway incidents.