Two Killed and Two Injured in St. Mary Parish Crash with 18-Wheeler

Patterson – On July 25, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. Highway 90 near Lori Lane. The crash claimed the lives of 77-year-old Anthony Peck of Franklin and 58-year-old Betty Hester of Benton, KY. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that 43-year-old Marcela Yepes-Restrepo of Texas, who was driving a 2019 Kenworth 18-wheeler east on U.S. Hwy 90, was attempting to make a U-turn from a center turn lane. At the same time, a 2019 Kia Sorento, driven by Peck, was traveling west in the left lane of U.S. Hwy 90. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia struck the right side of the 18-wheeler as it was making the U-turn. 

Peck and his front-seat passenger, Hester, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Two juvenile passengers in the rear of the Kia were transported to nearby hospitals with moderate to severe injuries. Yepes-Restrepo was uninjured in the crash. All occupants involved were properly restrained. 

Although Yepes-Restrepo was determined not to be impaired, she provided a voluntary breath sample, which showed no alcohol present. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Peck and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and potential charges are pending. 

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences. 

Troop I has investigated 22 fatal crashes, resulting in 24 fatalities in 2024. 

Contact Information: 

TPR Peggy Bourque 
Louisiana State Police 
Public Affairs Section – Troop I 

Office: (337) 262-5880 

[email protected] 