Troop B Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatal Crashes Overnight

On the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025, and in the early morning hours of Monday, March 31, 2025, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated two separate fatal crashes in Jefferson and St. Charles Parishes, resulting in two fatalities.

Avondale – Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on March 30, 2025, Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 18 near Avondale Garden Road in Jefferson Parish. The crash claimed the life of 49-year-old Rene Davis of Westwego.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Davis was driving a 2000 Ford F-150 east on LA 18 near Avondale Garden Road when, for unknown reasons, the Ford ran off the right side of the roadway. Davis overcorrected and lost control of the Ford before traveling off the left side of the roadway and impacting two large pipes.

Davis was unrestrained, suffered severe injuries, and died on scene. Impairment is believed to be a factor in this crash; standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Des Allemands – Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on March 31, 2025, Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on US 90 near Norman Avenue in St. Charles Parish involving a bicycle. The crash claimed the life of 43-year-old Paul Garcia of Des Allemands.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2022 Audi Q5 was traveling west on US 90 near Norman Avenue in the right lane. At the same time, for unknown reasons, Garcia was riding a bicycle across US 90 and entered the path of the Audi. As a result, the Audi struck Garcia, who died on scene.

The driver of the Audi was properly restrained and uninjured. Routine blood samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving. Follow traffic laws and ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. Most importantly, never drive impaired – alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications can severely impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it dangerous for everyone. If you feel different, you drive different. Additionally, Troopers want to remind bicyclists that Louisiana law classifies bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. Never assume that a motorist can see you; remember it’s essential to stay visible by using appropriate lighting and wearing bright or reflective clothing in low-light conditions. For additional information on bicycle safety, visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s website at https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]