Georgia Man Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash in Lafayette Parish

Lafayette Parish – Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on September 20, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near mile post 106 in Lafayette Parish. The crash claimed the life of 45-year-old Wayne Leroy Kales of Marietta, Georgia.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Kales was driving a 2023 International 18-wheeler west on I-10. For reasons still under investigation, the 18-wheeler tractor-trailer ran off the roadway to the right. Upon doing so, the 18-wheeler struck a tree and became engulfed in flames.

Troopers were unable to determined seatbelt usage on the part of Kales. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis and this crash remains under investigation.

Troop I has investigated 34 fatal crashes resulting in 39 deaths in 2023.

Contact Information:

TFC Thomas Gossen

Public Information Officer

Troop I

Thomas.gossen@la.gov