Avoyelles Parish – On November 22, 2021, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1 north of Fifth Ward. This crash claimed the life of an 8-year-old juvenile passenger.

The initial investigation revealed a 2017 Hyundai Elantra was northbound on Louisiana Highway 1. As the Hyundai approached a private drive, it began slowing and stopped in-order to make a left hand turn. For reasons still under investigation, a northbound 2000 International commercial vehicle, driven by 34-year-old Gene A. Lemoine of Cottonport, failed to stop as he approached the stopped Hyundai. As a result, Lemoine’s vehicle rear-ended the Hyundai. After the initial impact, the Hyundai entered the southbound travel lane and was struck by a southbound 2014 Ford F-150.

Lemoine, who was restrained, sustained no injuries. The driver and two juvenile passengers, who were restrained in the Hyundia, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The additional juvenile passenger, who was restrained in the Hyundia, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford, who was restrained, sustained no injuries.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

In 2021, Troop E Troopers has investigated 52 fatal crashes resulting in 54 fatalities.