IBERIA PARISH, La. — A New Iberia man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Iberia Parish.
Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating the hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian around 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The crash happened on Louisiana Highway 86 near Suard Road.
Russell Green, 66, of New Iberia died at the scene of the crash.
Troop I's investigation determined Green was walking on the highway when he was hit by an unknown vehicle traveling in an unknown direction. The vehicle left the scene after the crash.
Troopers suspect the crash happened between 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 and the time they were notified on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Neighbors and family members say Green was well known and deeply loved by those around him.
Traylon Vital, who lives nearby, said Green treated everyone like family.
“You would think he’s from the community, the way he operated with people,” Vital said. “He was friendly, always spoke, always had a good time with you. We’d do our backyard barbecues — whatever it was.”
Green’s niece, Megan Green Austin, said the family learned of his death Sunday afternoon after friends worked to locate next of kin.
“There was an issue locating next of kin because we’re not from here,” Austin said. “One of his good friends reached out to my dad, and then it was kind of a chain of events after that — everyone finding out.”
Austin said the loss is especially painful as the family waits for answers. She added that Sunday was also Green’s birthday — a day usually spent celebrating.
“Uncle Russell loved to come around and give hugs,” she said. “The impact he had on our lives — especially me growing up, his daughter, his granddaughters — it’s a loss.”
She said the hardest part is not knowing exactly what happened — and the fact that the driver did not stop.
“What’s heartbreaking for us is him being there for that long and not knowing what happened,” Austin said. “He could’ve been saved. For someone to just keep going and not stop to render aid — it’s somebody’s life.”
The crash remains under investigation. Troopers are still working to identify the vehicle involved. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop I at 337-262-5880.
