Unknown Pedestrian Killed in St. Landry Parish Crash

ST. LANDRY PARISH – Shortly before 7:30 P.M., on December 6, 2021, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a crash involving a pedestrian on US Highway 71 near Roy Baker Road in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified black female.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed the pedestrian was walking north in the center of the northbound lane of US 71 when she was struck by a northbound 2000 Ford F250 pickup. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the F250 submitted a breath sample, indicating no alcohol present, and was not impaired at the time of the crash. The driver was properly restrained and suffered no injuries. This crash remains under investigation.
In 2020, fatalities involving pedestrians increased by 19%. A majority of pedestrian fatalities, nearly 70 percent, occur at night. Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, not walking too close to roadways, and walking against the flow of traffic could prevent most pedestrian related crashes.
Troop I has investigated 57 fatal crashes resulting in 68 deaths in 2021.