Simmesport, Louisiana – A pedestrian in Louisiana was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Old Highway 1 near Simmesport.
The Louisiana State Police Troop E attended to a deadly crash on Old Highway 1 close to Simmesport, Louisiana on September 3, 2023. The incident resulted in the death of 40-year-old James Dibble Jr. from Simmesport, Louisiana.
The preliminary inquiry determined that Dibble was on the road when he was hit by a 2014 Mazda 6 heading south, driven by an unidentified person. Consequently, he suffered lethal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
After conducting an investigation, the person driving the vehicle was identified to be Mary Cazelot, a 40-year-old woman from Simmesport, Louisiana. Cazelot was taken to Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, where she was arrested and charged with felony hit and run, obstruction of justice, and driving while her license was suspended.
The reason behind the crash is still being looked into, however, distracted and careless driving is persistently a prime cause of crashes in Louisiana. The Louisiana State Police strongly advise all drivers to remain vigilant on the road. A momentary lack of attention could potentially lead to fatal results.
So far in the year 2023, the officers from LSP Troop E have conducted investigations into 39 deadly crashes, which ended up in 44 deaths.