**Update: Teen Driver Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Lafourche Parish Crash

TROOP C RELEASE UPDATE
December 30, 2023

Teen Driver Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Lafourche Parish Crash

On December 30, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop C was notified the driver of the Chevrolet, 16-year-old Tristan Hartman of Thibodaux, had succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.

TROOP C ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE
December 29, 2023

Speed Suspected Factor in Lafourche Parish Crash that Killed Teen Passenger

Thibodaux – On December 28, 2023, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop C began investigating a single-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 1 near Welcome Road. The crash claimed the life of 16-year-old Ashton Newkirk of Thibodaux.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by another 16-year-old juvenile, was traveling south at a high rate of speed while in a left curve on LA Hwy 1. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet traveled off the roadway to the right before striking a culvert head-on.

The driver of the Chevrolet and Newkirk, who was the front passenger, were properly restrained. A 14-year-old juvenile passenger in the rear of the Chevrolet was not properly restrained. Newkirk suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The other two juveniles suffered life-threatening injuries and remain at an out-of-area hospital for treatment.

Standard toxicology results are pending for the driver of the Chevrolet. This crash remains under investigation.

Speeding decreases reaction time, increases stopping distance, leads to a greater chance of losing control, and reduces the effectiveness of seatbelts during a crash. These factors are unfortunately increased for young individuals who are in the process of developing their driving skills. Adhering to speed limits and encouraging responsible driving habits among young drivers is important to ensure their safety and the well-being of all road users.

Troop C has investigated 30 fatal crashes resulting in 35 fatalities in 2023.

Contact Information:
TFC Ross Brennan
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs – Troop C
Office: (985) 857-3680
[email protected]