Nighttime Pedestrian-Vehicle Crash on I-10 South Frontage Road in Louisiana Claims Life of Iowa Man

Jefferson Davis Parish – A nighttime pedestrian-vehicle crash on the I-10 South Frontage Road in Jefferson Davis Parish in Louisiana claimed the life of a man from Iowa, Louisiana.

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), Troopers from Troop D responded to a major injury crash involving a pedestrian on the I-10 South Frontage Road just west of LA Hwy 101 in Jefferson Davis Parish on June 11, 2023, soon after 9:15 p.m. Joshua Chantel Lewis Jr., 44, of Iowa, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The driver of a 2016 Nissan Titan was heading west on the I-10 South Frontage Road, according to the preliminary investigation by Louisiana State Police. Lewis was struck by the Nissan after walking out of the north ditch and into the lane of travel.

Lewis suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital in the Lake Charles region, where he died. The Nissan driver was not hurt, and LSP indicated that no impairment is suspected.

A toxicological sample was taken from the driver of the Nissan and will be analyzed. This crash is still being investigated.
Pedestrians are encouraged to keep a high level of awareness while walking near or on the roadway. Basic precautions like wearing reflective material, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance away from travel lanes while facing oncoming vehicles could help prevent many pedestrian-related crashes.

Pedestrians must also anticipate that approaching automobiles will not be able to see them, particularly at night.

So far in 2023, Troop D has investigated 15 fatal crashes that resulted in 17 deaths.