Jefferson Davis Parish – On September 17, 2022, shortly after 12:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D was notified of a three-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 26, about a half mile south of LA Hwy 102 in Jefferson Davis Parish. The crash claimed the life of 75-year-old Larry Andrew Doucett of Hathaway.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 International DuraStar (Forestry Bucket Truck), driven by 40-year-old Alfredo Guilamo of Katy, Texas, was traveling south on LA 26. At the same time, the driver of a 2017 Hyundai Accent stopped for traffic that had stopped in front of him.

Guilamo failed to stop and traveled into the northbound lane of travel in an attempt to avoid striking the Hyundai. As Guilamo steered to the left, the right side fender of a portable wood chipper being towed struck the rear of the Hyundai. After the initial impact with the Hyundai, the bucket truck traveled into the driveway of Dollar General and struck the left side of a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country van being driven by Doucett. Both vehicles entered a roadside ditch, which caused the bucket truck to overturn and come to rest on top of the Chrysler.

Despite being properly restrained, Doucett sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger in the Chrysler, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Hyundai and his passenger were both properly restrained and not injured. Guilamo was properly restrained and not injured. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While this crash remains under investigation, inattentive/distracted driving continues to be a leading factor in fatal crashes in our state. More information on distracted driving can be found online at www.distraction.gov.

Troop D has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 20 deaths in 2022.