La. State Police Work 2 Fatal Crashes In Acadiana Tuesday Night

40-year-old Christopher Richard of St. Martinville and 34-year-old Al Fournier of Lawtell lost their lives in two separate fatal crashes in Acadiana on Tuesday night. The two crashes happened between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.

In St. Martin Parish, Richard was a passenger in a single-vehicle crash after a car driven by 19-year-old Dedrick Senegal of Breaux Bridge went off the right side of LA 328 at Juleau Champagne Road and flipped over several times. Richard was not wearing a seat belt and died. Senegal was not wearing a seat belt either, but sustained moderate injuries. Investigators are looking at blood samples from Senegal as part of the ongoing fatality investigation.

In St. Landry Parish, Fournier was riding a motorcycle eastbound on US 167 when Troopers say he struck a truck being driven by 54-year-old Debra Aclis of Oakdale. The truck went off the road and struck a light pole, causing minor injuries to Aclis, who was not wearing a seat belt. Fournier was pronounced dead on the scene. Troopers believe speed is a factor in the crash.

"There are no invitations to a significant or fatal crash," says Trooper Brooks David. "They occur on any day of the week, at any time of the day, and in all weather conditions. Troopers ask that motorist do everything in their power to avoid these preventable tragedies. Please speak to your loved ones about the importance of avoiding distractions, never driving impaired, and always wearing a seat belt. The simple adherence to this advice could be lifesaving."

Categories: Acadiana News