Within the span of three hours, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated two separate fatal crashes resulting in four deaths in the Troop A area.
Zachary – The first crash occurred shortly after 11:30 pm on June 19, 2020, on US Hwy 61 south of LA Hwy 964 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash took the life of 52-year-old Kenneth Cleveland of Gonzales.
The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Cleveland was traveling northbound on US Hwy 61 in a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai ran off the roadway to the left. After exiting the roadway, the Hyundai entered a ditch and hit a concrete culvert. After striking the culvert, the Hyundai hit a utility pole bordering the roadway.
Cleveland was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment is suspected, and a toxicology sample was obtained from Cleveland for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Maringouin – The second crash occurred shortly after 2:00 am on June 20, 2020, on LA Hwy 411 south of US Hwy 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish. The crash took the lives of 50-year-old Christopher Soileau of Zachary, 45-year-old Karen Soileau of Zachary, and 22-year-old Richard Threeton of Maringouin.
The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Christopher Soileau and his two passengers, Karen Soileau and Threeton, were traveling westbound on Jack Torres Road in a 2017 Ford F-250. As the Ford approached the intersection of LA Hwy 411, Soileau failed to negotiate a left turn and exited the right side of LA Hwy 411. After exiting the roadway, the Ford hit a tree and became engulfed in flames.
Due to the severity of the fire, seatbelt usage is unknown at this time. All three occupants sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and were pronounced dead on the scene. Impairment is unknown at this time, but an autopsy and toxicology report will be completed by the coroner’s office. This crash still remains under investigation.