Mamou – Shortly Before 8:00 pm on October 13, 2019, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 13 near Percy McGee Road in Evangeline Parish. The crash took the life of 20-year-old Keldon Lomas of Eunice.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as the driver, 37-year-old Richard Lomas, was driving a 2008 Infinity M35 southbound on LA Hwy 13. For unknown reasons, he lost control of his vehicle and ran off the roadway. Upon doing so, the Infinity overturned several times.
Keldon Lomas was an unrestrained passenger and was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Richard Lomas, the driver, was unrestrained and suffered minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Troopers suspected impairment to be a factor in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from him for analysis and the results are pending. He was released from the hospital and booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on the charges of: LRS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide, LRS 32:58 Careless Operation, LRS 32:295.1 No Seat Belt, LRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension, and LRS 32:300 Open Container.
This crash remains under investigation.
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.
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Press Release