Troop I Investigates Two Overnight Fatal Crashes in the Acadiana Area

Rayne – On April 4, 2025, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 719 near Ridge Road in Lafayette Parish. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Charlene Martin of Slidell.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Katie Owens of Slidell, was traveling south on LA Hwy 719. At the same time, a 2017 RAM 1500 was traveling north on LA Hwy 719. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai failed to yield to the approaching RAM as it attempted to turn left onto Ridge Road. As a result, the RAM struck the right side of the Hyundai.

Martin, the front passenger of the Hyundai, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Both Owens and the driver of the RAM sustained moderate injuries. All occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash.

While impairment is not a suspected factor, a standard toxicology sample was collected from both drivers and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Eunice – On April 4, 2025, shortly after 8:00 p.m., Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle serious injury crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 190 near Tasso Loop in St. Landry Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 47-year-old Andre Phoenix of Eunice.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Phoenix was walking in the left westbound lane of U.S. Hwy 190. At the same time, a 2006 Dodge 1500 was traveling west in the left lane of U.S. Hwy 190. For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge struck the pedestrian in the roadway.

Phoenix sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital where he died. The driver of the Dodge was properly restrained and uninjured.

A standard toxicology sample was collected from Phoenix and submitted for analysis. The driver of the Dodge was not suspected of being impaired and provided a voluntary breath sample, which revealed no alcohol impairment. This crash remains under investigation.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262 - 5880
[email protected]