Two Die in Single-Vehicle Crash in St. Landry Parish, Both Unrestrained

St. Landry Parish– At 10:30 p.m. on July 8, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 182 near Nap Lane in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 19-year-old Krisalyn Thomas and 56-year-old Joseph Chevis, both of Opelousas.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as the two were traveling in a 1998 Dodge pickup, east on LA 182. For reasons still under investigation, Chevis failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway.  Upon doing so, the pickup struck a tree and began to rotate before impacting the ground on its roof.  

Troopers determined both Chevis and his passenger, Krisalyn Thomas, were unrestrained. Chevis was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. Thomas was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but, ultimately, succumbed to her injuries. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash and impairment is unknown. Standard toxicology samples were obtained for analysis and this crash remains under investigation. 

While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Properly worn seat belts also help to keep the occupants of vehicles in their seat and protect the head and spine. Please be a responsible driver or a responsible passenger and buckle up every ride, every time.

Troop I has investigated 24 fatal crashes resulting in 28 deaths in 2022.

TFC Thomas Gossen               

Louisiana State Police
 Troop I Public Affairs  

Office: (337) 262-5880           
 thomas.gossen@la.gov