Florida Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Iberville Parish Crash

Grosse Tete – Earlier today, shortly after 9:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 east of LA 77 in Iberville Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 65-year-old Michael Joseph Smith of Defuniak Springs, Florida.

The initial investigation revealed that Smith was driving a 2017 Hyundai Tucson headed west on Interstate 10. For reasons still being investigated, Smith exited the roadway to the right, entered a canal, and struck a tree.

Despite being restrained, Smith suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is not suspected on the part of Smith. As part of standard procedure, a toxicology sample was obtained from Smith and will be submitted for analysis.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your risk of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.

Contact Information:
TPR Christian Reed
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
Christian.Reed2@la.gov