Lafayette Parish – Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on August 8, 2023, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 93 near Gateau Road in Lafayette Parish. The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Eli Citizen, Jr. of Carencro.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed the crash occurred as a 2022 Ford F-150, driven by 23-year-old Daylan J. Babineaux of Church Point, was traveling north on LA 93. For reasons still under investigation, the F150 exited the roadway to the right, struck an embankment, and overturned several times.
Babineaux, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Citizen was also unrestrained and ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. A second passenger was properly restrained and suffered only minor injuries.
Impairment is unknown and a toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
Troop I has investigated 32 fatal crashes resulting in 37 deaths in 2023.
Contact Information:
TFC Thomas Gossen
Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs
Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov
