UPDATE: Following the original news release, Louisiana State Police Troop C learned of a second good Samaritan who stopped to help Lapeyrouse save a family from drowning when their vehicle entered a canal and became submerged.
Initially, the second person’s identity was unknown. Troopers were able to eventually identify Chase Dupre of Chauvin as the second person who stopped with Lapeyrouse after witnessing the crash, officials say.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop C responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a submerged vehicle on LA Highway 182 near LA Highway 662 in Assumption Parish.
On December 7, 2022, shortly after 8:00 a.m., four occupants of the vehicle, including two small children, were pulled to safety by two men who witnessed the crash.
The investigation found a 2007 Toyota Corolla was traveling east on LA Hwy 182 when it traveled off the roadway to the right, entered a canal, and quickly became submerged in water. Due to the thick mud and marsh, the occupants of the Toyota were unable to open the doors and exit the vehicle.
Jeff Lapeyrouse of Bourg witnessed the crash, quickly pulled over, and rushed to help. Both Dupre and Lapeyrouse entered the water and were able to open a door on the Toyota. Both of these men were able to work together to rescue the family of four. Only minor injuries were reported in the crash.
"Louisiana State Police Troop C is thankful for both of these men who selflessly entered a dangerous situation to help save the lives of many," said officials.
