State police investigate fatal traffic crash in Acadiana; two pedestrians dead

ACADIANA, Louisiana – Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal traffic crash in Iberia Parish and one in Acadia Parish that left two pedestrians dead over the weekend.

Parish of Iberia

According to TPR’s Peggy Bourque, on July 13, 2024, just before 10 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 83 south of Louisiana Highway 14. The crash killed 75-year-old Francis Firmin of New Iberia.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Firmin was placing triangular traffic cones in the southbound lanes of LA 83 in an attempt to rescue his vehicle, which was stuck in the east ditch. At the same time, a 2002 Ford Mustang was traveling southbound on LA-14. The Ford struck Firmin in the southbound lane of LA 83.

Firmin suffered serious injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and had no injuries. There was no suspicion of impairment on the part of the Ford driver. However, standard toxicology samples were taken from all parties involved and submitted for analysis. The accident remains under investigation, officials report.

Acadia Community

Shortly before 6 a.m. on July 14, 2024, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 90 near Ebenezer Road in Rayne. The crash resulted in the death of Ryan Trahan, 41, of Rayne, TPR Bourque reported.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Trahan was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 90 in the early morning hours wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound. The vehicle struck Trahan, failed to stop and continued westbound for reasons still under investigation, Bourque said.

Trahan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation and police are working to identify the vehicle involved. If anyone has any information regarding this accident, please contact Louisiana State Police Troop I at (337) 262-5800.

To minimize the likelihood of accidents, it is important to be mindful of pedestrian safety when walking near or crossing roads. According to the Louisiana State Police, pedestrians can better anticipate approaching vehicles when walking against the direction of travel. In addition, choosing brightly colored clothing or reflective accessories in the dark improves visibility to drivers.

Squad I investigated 20 fatal accidents resulting in 21 fatalities in 2024.