Separate Crashes Kill Iota & Carencro Men

Two fatal crashes within twelve hours of each other had one thing in common - the drivers were not wearing their seat belts.

The first crash happened shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Monday night after a multi-vehicle crash claimed 41-year-old Jeremy D. Jackson of Carencro's life. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says it happened on Interstate 49 near mile marker 8 when Jackson's truck - traveling north at a high rate of speed - struck the back of another truck being driven by 74-year-old John Lee of Scott. Then, Jackson's truck crossed the median and hit a pickup truck driving on the southbound lanes of I-49. That caused the pickup to be struck by a Jeep. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, who was also unrestrained, is in critical condition. Trooper Gossen says all other drivers and passengers were buckled up and suffered minor to moderate injuries. He says Jackson was tested and found to be impaired at the time of the crash. Lee was also tested and found to be impaired at the time of the crash. Lee has been charged with DWI 1st Offense and Impeding the Flow of Traffic as the investigation continues.

The next morning, shortly before 7:00 a.m., 30-year-old Christopher Guillory of Iota died in a two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 3070 (McCain Road) near Ellis Road in Acadia Parish. For reasons still under investigation, Guillory's truck crossed the center line and collided with another truck head-on. Guillory died at the hospital; the other driver was also unrestrained and is in critical condition. Toxicology samples have been taken from both drivers and results are pending as the investigation continues.

"Wearing a seat belt is the simplest and most effective step motorists can take to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash," says the press release. "Louisiana state law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and wear a seat belt on every trip."