Vermilion Parish – Shortly after 7:15 a.m. on July 3, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 35 near W. Liberty Farm Road in Vermilion Parish. The crash took the life of 49-year-old Larry August Ragas, Jr. of Franklinton.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Ragas was driving a 2014 Nissan Armada north on LA 35. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle ran off the roadway to the right, struck a bridge rail, and overturned.

Ragas was not restrained and was ejected from the Nissan. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis and 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.

Troop I has investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 25 deaths in 2022.