Vacherie, Louisiana - A devastating two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 20 near Louisiana Highway 18 on June 9, 2024, resulted in the tragic loss of life of 54-year-old Lansing Octave of Vacherie, Louisiana. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. when a 2014 Ford Taurus, driven by 83-year-old Errol Dufresne of Vacherie, attempted to make a left turn into a private drive and crossed into the path of Octave's 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Dufresne's vehicle collided with the motorcycle, causing serious injuries to Octave. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Dufresne, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries. The front-seat passenger of the Ford, who was not properly restrained, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to an out-of-area hospital for treatment.

Louisiana State Police indicated that Dufresne voluntarily submitted to a breath sample, which showed no alcohol detected. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Octave and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant driving practices. Distracted and inattentive driving are leading causes of crashes in Louisiana, often resulting in deadly consequences. Additionally, ensuring every occupant in a vehicle is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death in a crash.

Troop C has investigated 11 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities so far in 2024.