Unrestrained Louisiana Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Morning Crash on LA 429

Louisiana – According to Louisiana State Police, Troopers from LSP Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle incident on LA 429 at Roddy Road in Ascension Parish shortly after 5:30 a.m. on August 1, 2022. Chad Jones, 50, of Gonzales, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

The initial inquiry found that Jones was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro south on Roddy Road. The Camaro approached the crossroads of LA 429 and Roddy Road with a green traffic signal. At the same time, Jacquel Wade, 25, of Sorrento, Louisiana, was driving west on LA 429 in a 2003 Toyota Camry. Wade ran a red light and hit the side of the Camaro for unknown reasons. Wade was also the suspect in a nearby hit-and-run collision, according to further inquiry.

Jones, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Wade suffered minor injuries and was sent to a nearby hospital. Neither driver is accused of being impaired. However, a toxicological sample was taken from both drivers and will be analyzed. This accident is still being investigated, and any pending criminal or traffic infractions will be turned over to the Ascension Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Troopers want to remind drivers of the significance of making safe decisions behind the wheel. While not all accidents are avoidable, correct use of seatbelts can dramatically lower an occupant’s likelihood of death and may significantly minimize the level of harm. Louisiana law requires that everyone in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, wear their seat belts at all times.