Unrestrained Driver Killed in Head-On Crash in St. Mary Parish

TROOP I NEWS RELEASE

October 7, 2023

Unrestrained Driver Killed in Head-On Crash in St. Mary Parish

Jeanerette – Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on October 7, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 90 near Big Four Corners Road in St. Mary Parish. The crash claimed the life of 59-year-old John Tardy of Franklin.

The preliminary investigation revealed Tardy was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram eastbound on US 90. At the same time, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was being driven west on US 90. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram crossed through the median and struck the Silverado head-on in the westbound lane.

Tardy was unrestrained and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was pronounced dead by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Silverado was also unrestrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.

Impairment is unknown, but standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis; results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists always to make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted; always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 38 fatal crashes resulting in 43 deaths in 2023.