Speed Suspected as a Factor in Louisiana Crash on LA 115 that Killed One and Injured Another

Louisiana - On October 24, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that Troopers from LSP Troop I began investigating a single-vehicle incident on Louisiana Highway 115 north of LA 106 in Evangeline Parish soon after 7:30 p.m. on October 23, 2022. Jaworski Christmas, 41, of Bunkie, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

According to police, the incident occurred as Christmas was driving south on LA 115 in a 2017 Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed, according to the preliminary investigation by State Police. Christmas' vehicle ran off the road after he failed to navigate a curve. After leaving the road, the Charger collided with an embankment and many trees.

At the moment of the crash, Christmas was unrestrained. The Evangeline Parish Coroner's Office pronounced him dead at the scene. His passenger was critically injured and was sent to a nearby hospital. Although there is no evidence of impairment, a standard toxicological sample was acquired for processing. This crash is still being investigated.

As the fourth fatal crash and fifth death in the Troop I area this weekend, Troopers want to warn motorists that numerous variables contribute to avoidable crashes. Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to wear a seat belt continue to be key factors in these avoidable accidents. They encourage everyone to plan ahead of time before getting behind the wheel when intoxicated. Authorities ask drivers to put their phones down and concentrate on the task of driving. Every ride requires you to slow down and buckle up.

Since the beginning of 2022, LSP Troop I has investigated 45 deadly crashes that have resulted in 51 deaths.