Vermilion Parish – On May 14, 2022, shortly before 1:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 167 at Louisiana Highway 696 in Vermilion Parish. The crash claimed the life of 64-year-old Alvin J. Minnick, Jr. of Abbeville.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed Minnick was traveling north on US 167 on a John Deere 2640 farm tractor. At the same time, a 2007 GMC Sierra 3500 pickup being driven by 48-year-old Olan Mouton was also traveling north on US 167. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC rear-ended the John Deere. Upon impact, the John Deere overturned, ejecting Minnick off the tractor.

Minnick was not restrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office. Mouton, who was properly restrained, was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. Charges are pending and this crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers remind motorists that making good choices while in motor vehicles such as always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, not driving impaired, and not being distracted behind the wheel can often mean the difference between life and death. Crashes occur in fractions of a second and many lives are forever changed. Please remember that motor vehicle crashes are preventable and good decisions behind the wheel help prevent injuries and deaths from occurring.

Troop I has investigated 12 fatal crashes resulting in 14 deaths in 2022.