Two Adults and Two Children Killed, One Child Critically Injured in St. Charles Parish Crash

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE
July 22, 2024

Two Adults and Two Children Killed, One Child Critically Injured in St. Charles Parish Crash

Saint Rose – Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B were notified of a two-vehicle crash on US 61 near I-310. The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Mathieu Christophe of Laplace. It also claimed the lives of 38-year-old Benjamin Alexis and his two sons, 8-year-old Benjamin Alexis III and 5-year-old Charles Alexis, all from Chalmette.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Christophe was driving a 2017 GMC Terrain south in the southbound lanes of US 61 near the I-310 overpass. At the same time, for reasons still under investigation, Alexis was driving a 2021 Volkswagen Passat north in the southbound lanes of US 61. As the Volkswagen approached the area of the I-310 overpass, it struck the GMC head-on.

Christophe and Benjamin Alexis were pronounced deceased on scene. Benjamin Alexis III, Charles Alexis, and an additional juvenile were rear-seat passengers in the Volkswagen. All were not properly restrained, suffered severe injuries, and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Benjamin Alexis III and Charles Alexis later died at the hospital. The additional juvenile remains in critical condition. At the time of the crash, Christophe was properly restrained. It is unknown if Alexis was properly restrained. Impairment on behalf of both drivers is unknown at this time; however, toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana law requires that every occupant in a motor vehicle be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Child safety seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash; however, approximately 3 out of 4 car seats are not used correctly or used at all. Children should remain in properly fitted and installed child safety seats and booster seats until the age of nine or if a child has outgrown the height or weight limits of a child restraint system or belt-positioning child booster seat as set by the manufacturer. More information regarding Louisiana’s Child passenger restraint system law can be found here. Every Louisiana State Police Troop is a nationally recognized Child Seat Fitting Station. Additionally, certified car seat technicians are available every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Troop B – 2101 I-10 Service Road Kenner, LA, 70065, and no appointment is necessary. If you have questions about your child’s seat or would like to ensure your seat is installed correctly, please contact Troop B at (504) 471-2775.

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