Reserve Man Dies in Single Vehicle Crash

Reserve – On June 20, 2023, shortly after 9:30 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B were requested by the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a single-vehicle crash on LA 44 (River Road) near E. 20th Street. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Byron Tuircuit of Reserve.

The initial investigation revealed that deputies with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office observed Tuircuit driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado recklessly in the area of Little Hope Street and LA 44 in Garyville. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop as the Silverado traveled on LA 44. Tuircuit refused to stop and continued to drive at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner. As he approached the intersection of E. 20th Street, Tuircuit lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the right side of the roadway before flipping several times.

Tuircuit, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment on the part of Tuircuit is unknown and routine toxicology results are pending. 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:
TFC Kate Stegall
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 471-2775
Katharine.stegall@la.gov