Lafourche Parish, Louisiana – On July 21, 2024, Louisiana State Police Troop C initiated an investigation into a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 3090, near AJ Estay Road in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The incident resulted in the loss of two young lives: 18-year-old Rylan Oncale from Raceland, Louisiana, and 18-year-old Taliyah Crochet from Houma, Louisiana.
According to preliminary findings, Axel Flores-Cordova, also 18 years old and originally from Honduras, was operating a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee while traveling southbound on LA Highway 3090. At the same time, Oncale was driving a 2023 Kia Rio northbound on the same highway. For reasons that remain under investigation, the Jeep crossed into the northbound lane, directly into the path of the Kia. Despite Oncale’s attempt to evade the collision by steering left, Flores-Cordova maneuvered right in an effort to correct his course, ultimately resulting in a head-on crash in the southbound lane.
Flores-Cordova was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident and emerged uninjured. Both Oncale and his front passenger, Crochet, were properly restrained. Tragically, Crochet sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Oncale was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his serious injuries. Two additional rear-seat passengers in the Kia, whose use of restraints remains under review, sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital outside the area for medical treatment.
Following the crash, troopers determined that Flores-Cordova was impaired and subsequently arrested him. According to reports from Louisiana State Police, Flores-Cordova voluntarily provided a breath sample, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) nearly seven times higher than the legal limit for underage drivers, which is set at 0.02% in Louisiana. Flores-Cordova now faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, DWI first offense, possession of an open alcoholic container in a vehicle, driving left of center, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or seatbelt. A toxicology sample was also collected from Oncale and is pending analysis.
Authorities emphasize the serious consequences of impaired driving, noting that even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times. This is especially concerning for underage drivers, who may lack the experience necessary to navigate hazardous situations on the road safely. The consequences of choosing to drive under the influence extend beyond the individual, endangering the lives of others sharing the road.
So far in 2024, Troop C has investigated 13 fatal crashes resulting in 16 fatalities.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.