Unrestrained Juvenile Passenger Succumbs to Injuries in Vermilion Parish Crash

Vermilion Parish – Shortly after 4:00 A.M. on July 29, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 713 near Coach Road in Vermilion Parish. The crash ultimately took the life of 14-year-old Jaci Guidry of Gueydan.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed the crash occurred as 22-year-old Justin Lee Faulk of Kaplan was driving north on LA 713 in a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado crossed the center line and traveled off the roadway to the left. After entering the ditch, the Silverado overturned several times.

Guidry, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was unrestrained and ejected. She was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Two additional passengers were also unrestrained and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Faulk was unrestrained and found to be impaired by the investigating trooper. He submitted a breath sample which determined he was over the legal limit of intoxication at the time of the crash. He was subsequently booked into the Vermilion Parish Jail with the following charges: DWI 2^nd offense, 1^st degree negligent injuring (three counts), careless operation, no seatbelt, and expired motor vehicle inspection.

On August 4, 2023, troopers were notified by hospital staff that Guidry had succumbed to her injuries sustained in the crash. This crash remains under investigation and additional charges for Faulk are pending.

Troop I has investigated 28 fatal crashes resulting in 31 deaths since the beginning of 2023.