Unrestrained Driver From Jennings Killed in Jefferson Davis Parish Crash

Published May 18, 2020

From Louisiana State Police – On May 17, 2020, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle, fatal crash on Koll Road near Elton Drive in Jefferson Davis Parish. The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Jerrod R. Blanchard of Jennings.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Ford F150 pickup truck, driven by Blanchard, was traveling west on Koll Road. For reasons still under investigation, Blanchard lost control of his vehicle and ran off the right side of the roadway. After running off the roadway, the Ford struck a ditch and rolled over several times before partially ejecting the driver.

Blanchard was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day or night. Statistics show the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained but the decision not to wear a seat belt can have deadly consequences. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and to always wear a seat belt.

Troop D has investigated 12 fatal crashes resulting in 14 deaths in 2020.

Contact Information:
Trooper Derek Senegal
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section–Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2519
[email protected]

Approximate location of the crash