New Orleans Teenager Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Pointe Coupee Parish

Maringouin – This morning, shortly before 4:00 a.m., the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of Louisiana State Police Troop A to investigate a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA 411 near Jack Torres Road in Pointe Coupee Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 16-year-old Michael Saavedra-Fernandez
of New Orleans.

The initial investigation revealed that deputies with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office observed Saavedra-Fernandez driving a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban recklessly on I-10 west in Iberville Parish. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the Suburban, however Saavedra-Fernandez refused to stop and continued driving recklessly, at a high rate of speed through multiple parishes. As Saavedra-Fernandez approached the area of LA 411 and Jack Torres Road, he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve and exited the roadway. The vehicle traveled through a ditch, before impacting a tree, and becoming engulfed in flames.

Saavedra-Fernandez, whose restraint use is unknown, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A teenage passenger in the vehicle who was properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This crash remains under investigation.

Speeding, impairment and lack of seatbelt use continue to be the leading causes of fatal crashes. Troopers encourage the public to have a plan in place to avoid driving impaired. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the
distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.

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