Vermilion Parish – On June 20, 2022, shortly before 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 14 near Odilon Road in Vermilion Parish. The crash claimed the life of 63-year-old Walter R. Meyer of Gueydan.

The preliminary investigation revealed Meyer was driving east on LA 14 in a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup following behind a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pulling a trailer. The driver of the Silverado slowed and began making a left turn onto Odilon Road. Meyer’s Sierra collided with the rear of the trailer and began to rotate.

Meyer was not restrained and was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Silverado was properly restrained and was not injured. He showed no signs of impairment and submitted a breath sample indicating no alcohol present. This crash remains under investigation.

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 20 fatal crashes resulting in 23 deaths.