Two-Vehicle Crash in Lafayette Parish Leaves Two Juveniles Dead on I-49

Lafayette Parish – On August 6, 2023, shortly before 3:30 A.M., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near Mile Post 7 (Carencro exit) in Lafayette Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 16-year-old Jose Alvarez of Opelousas and 16-year-old Marlin Garcia of Church Point.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed Alvarez was in the outside lane of travel on I-49 north, possibly stopped in a 2008 GMC Sierra. At the same time, a 2020 International single unit box truck was traveling north in the outside lane. The box truck struck the rear of the GMC, causing the GMC to overturn into the median.

Despite being restrained, Alvarez was fatally injured. His passenger, Garcia, was unrestrained and also died at the scene. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the box truck was properly restrained and was not injured.

Standard toxicology results are pending for Alvarez. The driver of the box truck submitted a valid breath sample indicating no alcohol present and displayed no signs of impairment. This crash remained under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 30 fatal crashes resulting in 34 deaths in 2023.
Louisiana graduated driver’s license restrictions for 16-year-old drivers after 11 P.M. are crucial for safety of not only our less experienced teen drivers but for the everyone on the road. It is essential for young drivers and parents/guardians to obey these restrictions to minimize the risk of preventable crashes. Adhering to these regulations can save lives and create safer roadways for everyone. For more information on the graduated driver’s license program, please visit: https://www.expresslane.org/media/qa0jml1m/louisiana-graduated-dl-program.pdf.

Contact Information:
TFC Thomas Gossen
Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs
Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov