Lake Charles Woman Killed in Calcasieu Parish Three-Vehicle Crash

Lake Charles – On November 8, 2024, shortly before 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D began investigating a three-vehicle fatality crash on Nelson Road near the intersection of Plantation Drive in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of 60-year-old Donna Chimeno of Lake Charles.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Chimeno was driving a 2019 Honda HR-V south on Nelson Road in the outside lane. At the same time, a 2024 Jeep Cherokee was also traveling south on Nelson Road in the inside lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda switched lanes to the left, directly in the Jeep's path. The front of the Jeep struck the rear of the Honda, causing the Honda to travel across the centerline and into the northbound inside lane of Nelson Road. After crossing the centerline, the Honda struck a 2022 Ford delivery van head-on.

Chimeno, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both of the Ford’s occupants and the Jeep’s sole occupant were restrained properly and uninjured. Impairment is not suspected; standard toxicology samples were collected from all three drivers and submitted for analysis.

Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to stress the importance of avoiding inattentive and distracted driving to prevent future crashes. It is essential for motorists to pay attention to what is happening outside of the vehicle they are driving. More information on distracted driving may be found online at nhtsa.gov.

Contact Information:
TFC Matt Gaspard
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2513
[email protected]