St. Mary Parish – Shortly before 6:30 P.M., on January 8, 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on US 90 North Frontage Road west of LA 317 in St. Mary Parish. The crash claimed the life of 19-year-old Everardo Perez of Houston, Texas.

The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed Perez, who was wearing dark clothing, was walking in the middle of the westbound lane of US 90 North Frontage Road when he was struck by a westbound 2017 GMC Acadia. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment on the part of Perez is unknown, but a standard toxicology sample was taken for analysis.

The driver of the Acadia submitted a breath sample, indicating no alcohol present and was not impaired at the time of the crash. The driver, along with a passenger, was properly restrained and suffered no injuries. This crash remains under investigation.

A majority of pedestrian fatalities, nearly 70 percent, occur at night. Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, not walking too close to roadways, and walking against the flow of traffic could prevent most pedestrian related crashes.

This is the first fatal crash Troop I has investigated in 2022.