VACHERIE – Shortly after 11:20 a.m. Monday morning, Louisiana State Police Troop C investigated a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 20 in St. James Parish where a 70-year-old woman later died at St. James Parish Hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.
The investigation revealed that a 2008 Ford F-250 was traveling west on Highway 20 in Vacherie. The F-250 was being driven by Kirk Melancon, 52, of Vacherie. At the same time that the F-250 was traveling west on Highway 20, a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier failed to yield as it exited a parking lot and attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 20. The Cavalier was struck broadside by the F-250. The Cavalier was being driven by Virgia Folse of Vacherie. Folse, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to St. James Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Melancon, who was wearing a seat belt, received minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Thibodaux Regional Hospital.
Investigating troopers reported that alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Blood was taken from Melancon, and the test results will be pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Routine toxicology tests are pending for Folse, and this crash remains under investigation.