Speed Suspected to be a Factor in Crash that Killed Unrestrained 19 Year Old in Evangeline Parish

Evangeline Parish – At approximately 10:00 am on October 15, 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred on LA 104 at mile post 5 near the Allen Parish line in Evangeline Parish. The crash took the life of 19 year old Ryan Lee of Eunice, LA.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Lee was traveling westbound on LA 104 in a 2000 Ford Ranger at a high rate of speed.  Lee failed to negotiate a right hand curve and ran off the left side of the roadway.  Lee’s vehicle came to rest after striking several trees on the eastbound side of the roadway.

Lee was unrestrained at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries.  Lee was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Evangeline Parish Coroner’s Office.  It is unknown if impairment is a factor in this crash but a toxicology sample will be taken from Lee for analysis. 

Louisiana State Troopers would like to remind motorists about the importance of seat belt use.  Wearing your seat belt is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.  Statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.  Remember, all occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position.