St. Amant Teenager Killed in Ascension Parish Crash
Gramercy – According to the Louisiana State Police, shortly before 11:00 pm on September 1, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash on Interstate 10 near LA Hwy 641 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 17-year-old Mason Pusey of St. Amant.
The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Pusey was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 in a 2009 Honda Accord. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda exited the roadway to the right and struck a tree bordering the roadway.
Pusey was properly restrained at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from Pusey for analysis.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.
Speed and Lack of Seatbelt Use Cause Early Morning Fatality in Jefferson Parish
Metairie – On Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at approximately 3:30 am, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a multi-vehicle fatal crash on US 61 near Severn Avenue in Jefferson Parish. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Natashia Daniels of New Orleans.
The initial investigation conducted by Troopers revealed that a green Honda Civic, driven by 22-year-old Benjamin Bradley of Baton Rouge, was traveling northbound on US 61 near Severn Avenue in the left lane. At the same time, a tan Toyota Corolla was also traveling northbound on US 61 in front of Bradley’s vehicle.
Police say that for reasons still under investigation, Bradley attempted to change lanes and sideswiped the left side of the Corolla. Bradley then ran off the roadway to the left where he crossed southbound lanes and struck multiple unoccupied vehicles in a nearby parking lot.
Daniels (front seat passenger in Bradley’s vehicle) was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries during the crash. Bradley and the rear seat passenger were also unrestrained and as a result, both were transported to nearby hospitals where they are being treated for serious injuries.
The driver of the Corolla was properly restrained and suffered minor injuries. Speed is also a suspected factor in the crash. Impairment on both driver’s parts is unknown at this time however standard toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for further analysis. Criminal charges are pending further investigation by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office. This crash remains under investigation and there is no further information available at this time.
Impaired Pedestrian Struck and Killed on I-10 in Jefferson Parish
Metairie – On Saturday, August 22, 2020, at approximately 2:00 am, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 10 eastbound near Clearview Blvd. in Jefferson Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 34-year-old Daniel Hurstell of New Orleans.
The initial investigation revealed that a Trooper had stopped Hurstell for speeding on Interstate 10 westbound near Clearview Blvd. During the course of the traffic stop, the Trooper suspected Hurstell was impaired. After being notified of his arrest, Hurstell failed to comply and fled on foot across the westbound travel lanes of Interstate 10 in an attempt to avoid arrest. Shortly after entering the roadway, Hurstell was struck by a Mazda 6.
Hurstell suffered severe injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Mazda 6 was properly restrained and uninjured. Impairment on Hurstell’s part is a suspected factor in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, standard toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for further analysis. This crash remains under investigation and there is no further information available at this time.
Time and time again, Troopers witness preventable motor vehicle crashes. Troopers wish to remind motorists to make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
