Unrestrained Occupants Killed in Iberia Parish Crash; Driver to be Determined by Investiga

Iberia Parish – On August 7, 2023, shortly before 3:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 182 near LSU Bridge Road in the Jeanerette area. The crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Robert Curry of Jeanerette and 50-year-old Randall Benedietto of Morgan City.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed Curry and Benedietto were the occupants in a 2004 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado pickup traveling west on LA 182 at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet exited the roadway to the right, struck a culvert, and overturned.

Curry and Benedietto were both unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. The question as to which of the occupants was the driver is still to be determined by investigators. The Chevrolet was registered to Benedietto.

A standard toxicology sample was obtained from both occupants for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists to slow down, buckle up, and lessen the distractions in the vehicle. Crash forces do not care who you are or what you drive. The faster you drive, the greater the risk of serious injury or death and not wearing a seat belt greatly increases that risk. This crash is an example of a preventable crash; it did not have to happen. Who is depending on you to make the right decisions behind the wheel?

Troop I has investigated 31 fatal crashes resulting in 36 deaths in 2023.

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