Two Unrestrained Drivers Killed in Acadiana Area Crashes

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Two Unrestrained Drivers Killed in Acadiana Area Crashes

Published: 08-10-2024 | Category: Troop I

St. Landry Parish - On August 9, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on US 167 near Harold Street in Opelousas. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 23-year-old Marquarious Solomon of Scott.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Solomon, was traveling south on US 167. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet exited the roadway to the right, entered a ditch, and overturned causing Solomon to be ejected.

Solomon, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis.

St. Martin Parish - On August 10, 2024, shortly after 7:00 a.m., Troop I was notified of another single-vehicle crash on LA 347 near Alexandre Hebert Road in St. Martinville. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 22-year-old Ridge Belaire of New Iberia.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Belaire, was traveling south on LA 347. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet exited the roadway to the left, entered a ditch, and overturned, causing Belaire to be ejected.

Belaire, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger, whose restraint use is still being investigated, was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. Routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. Both crashes remain under investigation.

Troopers want to remind the public that although not all crashes are survivable, wearing your seatbelt drastically decreases your chance of injury or death during a crash. Additionally, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Taking simple precautions like wearing a seatbelt, following all traffic laws, and adhering to speed limits increases safety on the road.