New Iberia, Louisiana - A 19-year-old Thibodaux, Louisiana man died from injuries sustained in a serious crash involving a commercial motor vehicle on US Highway 90 near Louisiana Highway 675, Louisiana State Police announced.
Colbi Blanchard of Thibodaux, Louisiana, succumbed to his injuries on August 30, 2025, four days after the crash occurred on August 26 just before 8:00 a.m. Louisiana State Police Troop I continues investigating the incident that left three people injured.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Ford Fusion was traveling westbound on US Highway 90 when it left the travel lane and entered a painted gore area. A gore area is the triangular space between highway lanes and exit ramps marked with painted lines to separate traffic flows.
The Ford struck the rear of a 2019 International commercial motor vehicle that was stopped in the gore area between US Highway 90 West and the off-ramp to Louisiana Highway 675. Investigators have not yet determined why the commercial vehicle was stopped in that location or why the Ford left its travel lane.
Blanchard was riding as a front seat passenger in the Ford when the crash occurred. Both he and the Ford's driver were properly wearing seat belts but sustained serious injuries in the collision. Emergency responders transported both occupants to a local hospital for treatment.
The driver of the commercial motor vehicle was also properly restrained and suffered minor injuries. Medical personnel transported the commercial vehicle operator to a hospital as a precautionary measure.
Louisiana State Police investigators do not suspect impairment played a role in the crash. However, driver fatigue is believed to be a contributing factor. Troopers collected routine toxicology samples from both drivers and submitted them for laboratory analysis, which is standard procedure in serious traffic crashes.
The crash occurred during morning rush hour traffic on one of Louisiana's major east-west corridors. US Highway 90 serves as a primary route connecting communities across southern Louisiana, including Thibodaux, where Blanchard resided.
Commercial motor vehicles, commonly referred to as CMVs, include large trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles that require special licensing to operate.
Driver fatigue remains a significant safety concern on Louisiana highways, particularly during early morning hours when the body's natural circadian rhythms can cause drowsiness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving contributes to thousands of crashes annually across the United States.
Louisiana State Police Troop I continues investigating all aspects of the crash, including the circumstances that led to both vehicles being in the gore area.
Investigators have not released additional details about the drivers involved or provided a timeline for completing the crash investigation.