Louisiana State Police Troop I says they are investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred on Tuesday, January 8, in Acadiana.
The first incident investigated by troopers occurred shortly before 6:00 pm on US 71 at Doucet Road in St. Landry Parish.
In that incident, troopers say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed. That pedestrian has been identified as 29-year-old Jakeria Green of Palmetto.
Troopers say they are investigating the incident as a hit and run.
Troopers say that Green was standing on the corner of Doucet Road and US 71 when she was struck by an unknown vehicle. Troopers suspect the vehicle involved may be an older model green Lincoln Town Car. The vehicle should have damage to its right headlight and possibly right bumper and hood.
Impairment is unknown at this time, but toxicology samples were taken from Green for analysis.
The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact LSP Troop I at 337-262-5880.
The second fatal crash occurred just before 9:00 pm in Iberia Parish.
Troopers say this crash involved a bicyclist that was struck on LA 182 near Jeanerette High School. That crash, according to troopers, took the life of 32-year-old Donald Henry of New Iberia.
An investigation by State Police revealed that a 2011 Ford F-150 traveling eastbound on LA 182 attempted to pass a slower vehicle in the eastbound lane. The Ford entered into the westbound lane to attempt to pass the vehicle and struck Henry who was also traveling east in the westbound lane of LA 182.
Henry was ejected from his bicycle and sustained fatal injuries, according to State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office.
Troopers say that visibility may have been a factor in the crash due to the lack of street lights and the black jacket and black shorts that Henry was wearing at the time of the crash. Henry’s bicycle did not have reflectors.
The driver of the Ford was cited for passing in a no passing zone.
The investigation is ongoing. State Police say impairment is not a factor in the crash.
