Tragedy Strikes Twice: Separate Louisiana Crashes Claim Multiple Lives

RAYNE, Louisiana (KPEL-FM) - A Louisiana woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Lafayette Parish on Friday night.

What Do Investigators Know About the Crash?

On April 4, 2025, shortly after 7:00 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 719 near Ridge Road. (Highway 719 is also referred to as Riceland Road.)

The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Charlene Martin of Slidell.

How Did the Crash Happen?

The preliminary investigation revealed that Katie Owens of Slidell's 2012 Hyundai Sonata was traveling south on LA Hwy 719. At the same time, a 2018 RAM 1500 pickup truck was traveling north on LA 719.

For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai failed to yield as it attempted to turn left onto Ridge Road to the approaching RAM truck. As a result, the RAM struck the right side of the Hyundai.

READ MORE: Louisiana Man Tragically Dies After Making a Fatal Mistake on Interstate 10

Were There Other Injuries in the Crash?

Martin, who was the front passenger in the Hyundai, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Both Owens and the driver of the RAM sustained moderate injuries.

Occupants in both vehicles were properly restrained at the time of the crash.

Was Impairment Suspected in the Crash?

Impairment was not suspected in the crash, however, a standard toxicology sample was collected from both drivers and submitted for analysis.

The crash remains under investigation.

EUNICE, Louisiana (KPEL-FM) - Another fatal crash took place on Friday, April 4, 2025, as well. This one was a short time later, shortly after 8:00 pm and it took place in St. Landry Parish.

What Are the Details of This Crash?

Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 190 near Tasso Loop in St. Landry Parish.

The crash ultimately took the life of 47-year-old Andre Phoenix of Eunice.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Phoenix was walking in the left westbound lane of U.S. Hwy 190. At the same time, a 2006 Dodge 1500 truck was traveling west in the left lane of U.S. Hwy 190. For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge truck struck the pedestrian in the roadway.

Phoenix sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he would die a short time later at the hospital.

What About the Driver of the Truck?

The driver of the Dodge was properly restrained and uninjured.

Was Impairment Suspected in the Crash?

A standard toxicology sample was taken from Phoenix and submitted for analysis. The driver of the truck was not suspected of being impaired. He provided a voluntary breath sample, which revealed no alcohol impairment.

This crash remains under investigation.

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