NewsYour Neighborhood Around AcadianaIberia Parish

Actions

18-month-old child killed in Iberia Parish head-on crash

Crash
Posted at 3:57 PM, Oct 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-11 16:57:37-04

Louisiana State Police are investigating a crash that claimed the life of 18-month-old Coy Percle of New Iberia.

Police say shortly after 7:30 a.m. on October 11, they began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA 86 near Dumas Judice Road in Iberia Parish.

After an investigation, police learned that a Jeep was traveling west on LA 86. At the same time, a Dodge Durango driven by 30-year-old Michelle Viator was traveling east on LA 86. For reasons still under investigation, Viator lost control of her vehicle as she was going around a curve. Her Durango crossed into the westbound lane and struck the Jeep head-on.

Percle was a passenger in the Jeep and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner's Office. Troopers determined he was restrained in a forward facing seat at the time of the crash. Due to his age, state law required him to be in a rear facing seat.

Blood results from both drivers are pending and the crash is still under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, being mindful of recent changes in child passenger seat laws, and follow all traffic laws. Taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.