Iberia Parish – Today, shortly after 10:40 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal crash that occurred on LA 86 near Crochet Road near Loreauville in Iberia Parish. The crash took the life of 68-year-old Linda Bergeron of Loreauville, LA.

The initial investigation revealed 64-year-old Gale Holmes of New Iberia was operating a 2014 GMC Sierra westbound on LA 86.  For unknown reasons, Holmes failed to properly negotiate a slight curve, crossed the centerline, and struck an eastbound Honda Accord, operated by 68-year-old Linda Bergeron of New Iberia.

 Holmes was wearing a seat belt, but sustained minor injuries and was transported to Lafayette General.   Linda Bergeron was properly restrained, but sustained fatal injuries.   Bergeron was pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office.  Impairment is not suspected to be a factor, but standard toxicology tests are pending on both drivers.

This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind the public of the following:  inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving. More information on distracted driving may be found online at the federal government’s official distracted driving website, www.distraction.gov.

Troop I has investigated 9 fatality crashes resulting in 9 deaths as of this date in 2016.