By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

EDGARD – The body of Darryl Gorden, 48, was discovered by passers-by on Thursday afternoon on the side of Louisiana Highway 18, less than a mile from West St. John Elementary School in Edgard. Louisiana State Police and St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.
Although initial reports said Gorden may have been the victim of a shooting and his body dumped near the school, St. John Parish Deputy Coroner Anthony Bourne suspected a less targeted cause of death.  
“It looks like he was struck by a car, and his body was left there, like a hit and run. We’re sending him off to Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office for an autopsy,” he said.
Family members said nothing unusual occurred the day before his death.
His sudden death was shocking news, and the family members on the scene said they were unsure about whether to tell his mother yet, fearing unnecessary strain.
“I saw him yesterday morning in front of his grandmother’s house,” said cousin Edwena Lumar. “They say it looks like he could’ve been dead since yesterday.”
“He talked to several people last night and during the day, but no, he wasn’t (reported) missing or anything. I’m numb. His sister is in the hospital now with an aneurism not doing well. His mom is with his sister, and now this. She doesn’t know about this. We have not told her anything,” said Virgie Johnson.
Louisiana State Police Troop C are investigating the incident.