St Landry Parish – On December 17, 2021, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash at mile post 40 on I-49 (near LA 29) in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of 54-year-old John Lundy of Dallas, Georgia, 20-year-old Lindy Rae Simmons, 14-year-old Kamryn Simmons, and 16-year-old Christopher Simmons, all of Jeanerette.

The initial investigation revealed Lundy was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup north in the southbound lanes of I-49. Lindy Simmons was driving a 2017 Cadillac XT5 SUV south on I-49. The vehicles struck head-on in the left lane.

Lundy, whose restraint use is unknown, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lindy Simmons, who was restrained, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Kamryn and Christopher Simmons were transported to local hospitals where they ultimately succumbed to their injuries. Two other passengers in the SUV were also transported and remain in critical condition.

Standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers; results are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. This crash remains under investigation.

In one night the lives of several families have changed forever due to preventable circumstances. Over and over again, Troopers see the tragic consequences of preventable motor vehicle crashes. The Louisiana State Police urges motorists to have a plan in place that includes always wearing your seat belt, never driving distracted or tired, and having a designated driver or an alternate ride home when consuming alcohol. Please choose to not drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.

Troop I has investigated 61 fatal crashes resulting in 75 deaths in 2021.

Avoyelles Parish- On December 17, 2021, shortly before 10:30 p.m., a Trooper in a fully marked Louisiana State Police unit, utilizing his emergency lights, was stationary while blocking both southbound lanes of I-49 at LA 106, to divert traffic off of the interstate onto the exit ramp due to the earlier fatal crash at mile marker 40 in St. Landry Parish.

The initial investigation revealed 86-year-old Billy M. Lee of Terrell, Texas was traveling south on I-49 in a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. For reasons still under investigation, the Silverado approached the detour and struck the right front of the stationary LSP unit in the right travel lane. Despite restraint use, Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper sustained minor injuries.

Blood evidence was obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis. Impairment is not suspected as a factor and this crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge citizens to remember that Louisiana’s “Move Over” law keeps EVERYONE safe. As motorists approach first responders and any vehicle utilizing hazard/warning lights, please Move Over. Slow down and raise your level of awareness. In the presence of emergency lights, watch for slower traffic, detours, changes in road conditions or workers in the area.

In the Troop E area, LSP has investigated 58 fatal crashes resulting in 60 deaths in 2021.