GRAMERCY – Sean Q. Thomas, 26, of Vacherie, was killed in a tragic accident shortly before 5:30 a.m. Wednesday on Airline Highway South of I-10 in St. James Parish.

Thomas is remembered as a talented athlete and the former cornerback for the University of Louisiana in Lafayette from 2011 to 2014. A graduate of St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, he was the son of Quintin and Mary Smith-Thomas.

The initial investigation revealed Thomas was traveling in the left southbound lane of Airline Highway in a 2014 box truck. At the same time, the driver of a 2011 Kenworth tractor-trailer was making a U-turn from the left southbound lane to travel northbound. For unknown reasons, Thomas’ vehicle struck the rear of the tractor-trailer.

Thomas suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Due to vehicle damage, seat belt use on his part is unknown. Impairment is not suspected for either driver, but standard toxicology samples were obtained for analysis, according to Louisiana State Police. This crash remains under investigation, and there is no further information at this time.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle.

“Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws,” Louisiana State Police said in a press release. “While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.”