St. Landry Parish – On June 11, 2022, shortly after 4:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 35 near Mandy Road in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Scotty J. Cormier, Jr. of Church Point.

The preliminary investigation revealed Cormier was driving north on LA 35 in a 2009 Nissan Murano. At the same time, a 2017 Freightliner 18-wheeler with a trailer, being driven by James Roy of Opelousas, was backing into a private driveway on the east side of LA 35. The 18-wheeler crossed the center line and was in the northbound lane as Cormier’s Nissan struck the left side of the trailer.

Despite restraint use, Cormier suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler was also properly restrained and no injuries were reported. He showed no signs of impairment and submitted a breath sample indicating no alcohol present. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2022, Troop I has investigated 19 fatal crashes resulting in 22 deaths.