A Louisiana State Trooper pays final respects to a fallen deputy.

2013-08-10 —Houma, LA- Shortly after 1:30am this morning, Louisiana State Police Troop C investigated a fatality crash on LA 182 in Terrebonne Parish where a passenger was killed and two drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated.
The investigation revealed that a 1991 Nissan Maxima was traveling east on LA 182 just west of LA 660 in Terrebonne Parish.  The Maxima was being driven by Wilbur Macias-Mercado (H/M age 41) of Houma, LA.  The Maxima attempted to make a left turn into a private parking lot and turned into the path of a 2004 Cadillac CTS that was traveling west on LA 182.  The CTS was being driven by Kyle Naquin (W/M age 22) of Bourg, LA.
The CTS struck the Maxima on the right side and spun the Maxima into the parking lot where it struck a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado that was parked and unoccupied.  The front seat passenger in the Maxima, Rosa Benlavida (H/F of Houma), received fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office.  Both drivers received minor injuries in the crash and refused medical treatment at the scene.
Everyone involved was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Alcohol impairment was a factor in the crash.
Macias-Mercado was found to be more than double the legal limit of .08g% and was arrested for Vehicular Homicide, Failure to Yield While Turning Left, and No Driver’s License.  Naquin was found to be over the legal limit and was arrested for DWI 1st and Driving Under Suspension.  This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers remind everyone to remain safe on the roads and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have had any alcoholic beverages.  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.
Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night.  Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Motorists that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.