Lafayette Parish, Louisiana – A single-vehicle crash in Louisiana resulted in severe injury to one person and the death of another, both of whom were unrestrained, as well as minor injuries to one person who was properly restrained.

Louisiana State Police Troop I was alerted about a single-vehicle collision on Louisiana Highway 93 close to Gateau Road in Lafayette Parish, shortly after 8:30 p.m. on the 8th of August, 2023. The crash resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man from Carencro, Louisiana named Eli Citizen, Jr.

The preliminary probe conducted by the State Police indicated the crash happened when a 2022 Ford F-150, operated by 23-year-old Daylan J. Babineaux from Church Point, Louisiana was heading north on LA 93. The reasons are still being examined, but the F150 veered off the road to the right, hit a mound, and flipped over multiple times.

Babineaux, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown out of the vehicle. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. The same happened to Citizen, who was also not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown out. Unfortunately, Citizen didn’t survive and was declared dead on the spot by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. Another passenger, who was buckled up, only incurred minor injuries.

LSP indicated that impairment on the part of the driver was unknown at the time of the crash, and a toxicology specimen has been collected for examination. The investigation of this crash is still ongoing.

In a press release about the crash, LSP wanted to remind drivers of the importance of being wise when driving. Refrain from driving when under the influence, tired, or distracted, always ensure that everyone in the vehicle is restrained, and abide by all traffic laws. Though not every crash can be survived, taking basic safety measures like these can frequently be the distinction between living and dying.

So far in 2023, Troop I has conducted investigations into 32 deadly crashes that led to the demise of 37 individuals.