Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in St. Charles Parish

St. Rose - Shortly after 9:20 a.m. on February 12, 2024, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a fatality crash on U.S.61 at I-310 in St. Charles Parish. The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Kentrell Beard of Laplace.

The initial investigation revealed that 42-year-old Keith Coleman of New Orleans was driving a 2008 Ford Escape south on US 61. At the same time, a 2019 Honda CRV was traveling north on US 61. For reasons still under investigation, Coleman failed to maintain control of his vehicle. The Ford crossed the median, entered the northbound travel lanes, and impacted the Honda.

Beard, a passenger in the Ford, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Restraint use for Beard is unable to be determined at this time. Coleman was unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver and passenger in the Honda were properly restrained, sustained minor injuries, and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment is unknown, and a toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind all motorists that while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in a motor vehicle, such as never driving impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions, can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information
Trooper First Class Zavier Martin
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section - Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2775
Zavier.martin@la.gov
www.LSP.org