Unrestrained Louisiana Man Killed, Three Others Injured in Four-Vehicle Crash on US 61 

Gonzales, Louisiana – A four-vehicle crash on US 61 in Louisiana resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man, and moderate injuries to others.

Louisiana State Police stated on January 17, 2023, that Troopers with LSP Troop A began investigating a four-vehicle crash on US 61 south of LA 431 in Ascension Parish. Cameron Hall, 20, of Maurepas, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

The preliminary investigation found that Trent Lessard of Prairieville, Louisiana was driving a 2013 Honda Civic north in the left lane of US 61. Lessard drove to the left, crossed the median, and entered the southbound lane of travel, where he collided with a 2011 Toyota Tundra head-on. At the same time, a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze and a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe were moving in the left lane behind the Tundra. The Cruze driver attempted to avoid a collision with the Tundra by veering into the right lane but instead collided with the Tundra's undercarriage. Following that, the Tahoe collided with the Cruze's passenger side.

Lessard, who was not restrained at the time of the accident, suffered moderate injuries. Hall, the Civic's front passenger, was not secured and died at the scene from his injuries. At the time of the incident, the drivers of the Tundra and Cruze were properly secured. Both were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The driver of the Tahoe was likewise restrained appropriately and denied sustaining any injuries in the crash. A toxicological sample was acquired from each driver as part of the continuing inquiry and will be submitted for scientific study. Any criminal or traffic infractions identified during the continuing inquiry will be referred to the District Attorney's Office in Ascension Parish.

While not all accidents are avoidable, statistics show that correctly fitted restraints can greatly minimize your chances of being wounded or killed in an accident. Louisiana law requires that everyone in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, wear their seat belts at all times. Wearing your seat belt correctly is one of the most efficient strategies to save your life and limit injuries in a car accident.