Two Separate Crashes in Avoyelles Parish Leaves Two People Dead

TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

October 20, 2024

Avoyelles Parish – On October 19, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 107 near Center Point. This crash claimed the life of 62-year-old Harold P. Gaspard of Marksville.

The initial investigation revealed a 1998 Dodge pickup truck, driven by Gaspard, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 107. For reasons still under investigation, Gaspard’s vehicle crossed the centerlines into the northbound travel lane and collided head-on with a 2007 Chevrolet.

Gaspard, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Driver of the Chevrolet, who also was restrained, sustained minor injuries. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

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.

Avoyelles Parish – On October 19, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 107 near Pinks Lane. This crash claimed the life of 37-year-old Terrence Hawkins.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2006 Nissan, driven by Hawkins, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 107. For reasons still under investigation, Hawkins left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment and began to overturn. As a result, Hawkins was ejected from the vehicle.

Hawkins, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 266-7275

[email protected]