Evangeline Parish – On March 18, 2018, shortly before 3:00 am, Troopers with Troop I were notified of a single vehicle crash on US 167 at the St. Landry Parish / Evangeline Parish line. Upon arrival, Troopers located a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado in the ditch against a fence off of US 167 inside of Evangeline Parish. Troopers investigated the crash, but were unable to locate a driver of the vehicle.

On March 19, 2018, shortly before 9:30 am, Troop I was notified by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office of a body found on the Evangeline Parish side of US 167 near the St. Landry Parish line. The body was identified as 24 year old William Morein of Ville Plate. Further investigation revealed that Morein was the owner and suspected driver of the vehicle involved in the March 18^th crash.

Troopers determined that Morein was not restrained at the time of the crash, and was ejected from the vehicle after striking a bridge rail while traveling northbound on US 167. After being ejected, Morein’s vehicle continued traveling northbound before entering the ditch. It is unknown if impairment is a factor in the crash. Standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Drivers can effectively reduce the chances of being involved in a crash by ensuring that while behind the wheel of a vehicle you remain focused solely on the task of driving. Heed all posted speed limits and remain focused on the roadway at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, making good choices while traveling such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can greatly increase your chances of surviving a crash.