91-Year-Old Driver Hits, Kills Welsh Man in Lake Charles Accident

Louisiana State Police responded to a crash in Lake Charles on Highway 14 on the evening of May 4 in which a pedestrian was reported to have been struck by a vehicle. The victim was a 45-year-old local man who later died from injuries he sustained in the fatal accident. He was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle as he worked to flag traffic after dark for a broken-down truck.
A truck pulling a camper was headed westbound on Hwy 14 when it stalled and pulled onto the road shoulder. A second vehicle stopped to assist and pulled to the front of the disabled truck to try and jump-start the engine. The passenger from the assisting truck exited his vehicle and walked to the rear of the camper to direct traffic. While flagging traffic he was struck by a car driven by a 91-year-old Lake Charles man.
After running into the pedestrian, the car also struck the parked camper. The elderly driver was taken to a Lake Charles hospital and treated for minor injuries. Police reports indicate that he was wearing his seat belt. Investigators are awaiting the results of routine toxicology samples that were submitted for analysis. The wreck is still under investigation, and no charges have yet been filed.
Studies show that 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. To help prevent a fatal accident of this nature, Louisiana law enforcement encourages pedestrians to always wear light-colored clothing. Reflective materials and flashlights can also help ensure that pedestrians are visible to drivers. Drivers are also asked to adhere to traffic laws, be alert and keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times. Hopefully the victim’s family is able to find comfort in one another during this time of grief.