UPDATE: The Lafayette Parish School System announced Wednesday morning that the victim in the Tuesday afternoon crash on I-10 is a local teacher.
Monique Chargois, principal at Westside Elementary, has issued the following statement from her faculty and staff regarding the death of Elaine Austin:
"With profound sadness, the Westside faculty and staff mourn the passing of Elaine Austin. Elaine was known for her infectious personality and radiant smile that could brighten any classroom. She dedicated herself to meeting her students' diverse needs and consistently advocated for their best interests. Communication with parents was important to her, as she readily offered assistance with homework. In her classroom, she established a store to reward students for good behavior, featuring various items for them to purchase, including gifts for their parents during the Christmas season, using their behavior bucks, which reflects her generous heart and caring spirit. Her commitment to her students' success was unwavering, and she expressed her passion for the arts by beautifully decorating the front of the school for each holiday. Additionally, Mrs. Austin and her sister collaborated and painted Westside’s first mural honoring Westside—Where the West Began. She will be deeply missed."
Here's the statement from LPSS:
"We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of one of our Westside Elementary teachers. Mrs. Elaine Austin was a dedicated educator and a valued part of our school community, and she will be missed by those who had the privilege of working and learning alongside her. We recognize this is a difficult time for our staff and students. Additional counselors and support staff will be on campus today to provide care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Austin’s family during this difficult time."
Monique Chargois, principal at Westside Elementary, also issued a following statement from faculty and staff:
"With profound sadness, the Westside faculty and staff mourn the passing of Elaine Austin. Elaine was known for her infectious personality and radiant smile that could brighten any classroom. She dedicated herself to meeting her students' diverse needs and consistently advocated for their best interests. Communication with parents was important to her, as she readily offered assistance with homework. In her classroom, she established a store to reward students for good behavior, featuring various items for them to purchase, including gifts for their parents during the Christmas season, using their behavior bucks, which reflects her generous heart and caring spirit. Her commitment to her students' success was unwavering, and she expressed her passion for the arts by beautifully decorating the front of the school for each holiday. Additionally, Mrs. Austin and her sister collaborated and painted Westside’s first mural honoring Westside—Where the West Began. She will be deeply missed."
Police say the crash happened Tuesday afternoon on I-10 eastbound, just west of University Avenue. Police say their preliminary investigation indicates Austin was traveling east, followed by another vehicle. Her vehicle slowed down, and the vehicle behind her crashed into her vehicle. Austin's vehicle turned into the University exit ramp, where it came to a stop.
The two people in the other vehicle where transported to a hospital, where police say they are in stable condition.
Police say the investigation is continuing.
The crashed closed the eastbound lanes of the Interstate between University and Ambassador for several hours; traffic was diverted and motorists were told to find alternate routes.
