Louisiana Teen Dies and Another Person is Injured in Fiery Two-Vehicle Crash Near Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana – On November 22, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that on November 21, shortly after 11:00 p.m., Troopers from LSP Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of LA Hwy 397 and Gauthier Road in Calcasieu Parish. Philip Michael Conner, 16, of Holmwood, Louisiana, died in the crash.

The initial investigation found that Conner was driving a 2013 Toyota Tacoma east on Gauthier Road, nearing the intersection of LA 397. At the same time, the driver of a 2011 GMC Acadia was going south on LA 397, nearing the intersection with Gauthier Road. Conner reportedly disregarded the stop sign, proceeded through the junction, and was hit on the driver's side by the GMC. After the first collision, both vehicles veered off the road, and the Toyota caught fire after rolling onto its side.

Conner died at the scene after suffering catastrophic injuries. Due to the level of the Toyota's destruction, Conner's use of a seat belt is uncertain. The driver of the GMC suffered moderate injuries and was sent to a hospital in the Lake Charles, Louisiana region for treatment. Toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This accident is still being investigated.

Louisiana State Police indicated that distracted and inattentive driving remains a top cause of accidents in our state. The Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to drive cautiously. More information on distracted driving can be obtained by following this link.

So far in 2022, Troop D has investigated 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 deaths.