Crash in St. John the Baptist Parish claims life of Laplace man

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, LA (WVUE) - Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal crash that killed a Laplace man Tuesday night.

Three individuals were transported to University Medical Center with serious injuries, where 59 year-old James Heard of Laplace later died. Heard was a passenger in one of the vehicles.

The accident happened around 9:00 pm on LA 636-3 (West 2nd Street). Investigators believe that excessive speed and lack of head lights is the cause of the crash.

Police say that 41-year-old Larry Eugene of Reserve, LA was driving a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria west on LA 636-3 without head lights and at a high rate of speed. A 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 54-year-old Curtis Edwards of Laplace, LA was traveling east on LA 636-3 and turned left onto Fir Street into the path of the Ford. The Chevrolet was struck by the Ford on the passenger side. Heard was seated in the front passenger seat of the Chevrolet. Eugene and Edwards both suffered moderate injuries.

Eugene submitted to a blood test and toxicology tests will be performed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Impairment is not suspected on the part of Edwards. It is unknown if seat belts were worn. The crash is still under investigation and criminal charges are pending.

Louisiana State Police remind motorists to use head lights at any time between sunset and sunrise, while in a tunnel, or during times when there is insufficient light or unfavorable conditions.

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