Four Killed in Three Separate Crashes in Livingston and West Baton Rouge Parishes

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
June 29, 2024

Denham Springs – Shortly before midnight on June 28, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 16 at Bailey Lane in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 28-year-old Kenneth M. Broussard II of Prairieville and 22-year-old Abigail Wheat of Denham Springs.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Infiniti M35 was traveling southbound on LA 16 near Bailey Lane. At the same time, Broussard was driving a 2005 Dodge Neon northbound on LA 16. For reasons still under investigation, the Infiniti crossed the centerline and impacted the Dodge in a head-on manner.

Broussard was properly restrained at the time of the crash, yet sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Wheat, who was the front passenger in the Infiniti, was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti was also unrestrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Impairment on the part of both drivers is unknown at this time, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Livingston – Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on June 29, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 63 near LA 444. The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Joseph Dodds of Livingston.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Dodds was driving a 2022 Toyota Corolla southbound on LA 63 near LA 444. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota exited the roadway and impacted a tree.

Dodds, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment is unknown at this time, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Port Allen – Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on June 29, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 near Commercial Drive in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Jada Bergeron of Mamou.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Kia Rio, driven by 37-year-old Carlos Thomas, was traveling northbound on LA 415 near Commercial Drive. At the same time, a 2012 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on LA 415. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia turned left towards a private driveway, in front of the Nissan. As a result, the front of the Nissan impacted the side of the Kia.

Bergeron, who was the front passenger in the Altima, was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Altima was restrained and sustained minor injuries. Thomas and the front passenger of the Kia were both properly restrained at the time of the crash. The passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Thomas was placed under arrest and booked into the West Baton Rouge jail for Improper Lane Usage, Negligent Homicide, and Vehicular Negligent Injuring. Impairment is unknown at this time, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Over and over again, Troopers see the tragic consequences of preventable motor vehicle crashes. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance 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:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]