Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on U.S. Highway 167 in Lafayette Parish that left a Maurice man dead Saturday night.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop I, the single-vehicle incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. on December 7, 2025, on US Highway 167 near Leblanc Road, south of Lafayette. The crash claimed the life of 37-year-old Ricky Verret of Maurice.
What Troopers Say Happened
Based on the preliminary investigation, troopers reported that Verret was initially walking on the right shoulder of US 167 southbound. At the same time, a 2002 Jeep Wrangler pulling a trailer was traveling south on the highway.
For reasons that remain under investigation, Verret entered the southbound travel lane and moved into the path of the approaching Jeep. The Jeep then struck Verret in the roadway.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and the incident remained contained to the southbound lanes near Leblanc Road.
Victim Pronounced Dead At The Scene
Verret sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to State Police.
Troopers did not release further information about Verret’s direction of travel on foot, his destination, or the exact point on the highway where he entered the lane, saying only that those details remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Driver Uninjured, Impairment Not Suspected
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, whose name has not been released, was properly restrained at the time of the incident and was not injured, State Police said.
Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash for either the pedestrian or the driver based on initial observations. However, in keeping with standard investigative procedure, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. Those results typically help confirm whether alcohol or drugs played any role.
No charges have been announced, and troopers have not indicated whether any citations are expected. Additional findings may be released as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Ongoing
Louisiana State Police Troop I continues to investigate the crash. A full reconstruction of the incident generally includes gathering roadway evidence, reviewing lighting and visibility, checking vehicle condition, and interviewing witnesses when available.
US Highway 167 is a major north–south route in the region, carrying both local and through traffic. The area near Leblanc Road includes highway-speed travel, where encounters between drivers and pedestrians can be especially dangerous due to limited reaction time and higher impact forces.