Pedestrian Killed in Avoyelles Parish Hit and Run Crash

Marksville – On Friday, May 31, 2024, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 107 near Louisiana Highway 1191. The crash claimed the life of 45-year-old Curtis Lavalais of Mansura.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Lavalais was struck by an unknown vehicle while walking in the southbound lane of Louisiana Highway 107, just north of Louisiana Highway 1191. Lavalais suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The unknown vehicle fled the scene of the crash.

This crash remains under investigation, and Troopers are working to gather all possible information regarding the vehicle that fled the scene. If anyone has information related to this crash, we urge you to contact Louisiana State Police - Troop E at 318-487-5911.

Pedestrians are urged to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian-related crashes. Troopers would also like to take this opportunity to remind drivers of the consequences of hit-and-run driving. Whoever commits the crime of felony hit-and-run driving when death or serious bodily injury is a result can be fined up to five thousand dollars and face up to ten years in prison.

In 2024, Troop E has investigated 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 27 deaths.

Contact Information:
TFC Ryan Davis
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
[email protected]