Wrong Way Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle St. James Parish Crash

Gramercy – Earlier this morning, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a multi-vehicle crash on LA 3213 south of US 61 in St. James Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 66-year-old Earnest Bradley of Vacherie.

The initial investigation revealed that Bradley was driving a 2019 Honda Civic headed south in the northbound lane on LA 3213 (Veterans Memorial Bridge). At the same time, a 2024 International box truck was traveling north on LA 3213. For reasons still being investigated, Bradley struck the International, and the impact caused the Honda to rotate clockwise before coming to rest in the roadway. Thereafter, a 2021 Ram 2500 was headed north on LA 3213 and struck the Honda in the rear.

Bradley was not restrained at the time of the crash and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the Ram was properly restrained, suffered minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the International was also properly restrained and uninjured in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from Bradley and will be submitted for analysis.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your risk of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.

Contact Information:
TPR Christian Reed
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
Christian.Reed2@la.gov