Evangeline Parish – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. on August 20, 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3042 near Theophile Road in Evangeline Parish. The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Lionel Gabe Bangs of Ville Platte.

The preliminary investigation revealed Bangs was driving a 2010 Nissan Sentra south on LA 3042. At the same time, a 2014 Buick LaCrosse, being driven by 33-year-old Danielle Clark of Ville Platte, was traveling north on LA 3042. For reasons still under investigation, Clark’s Buick crossed the center line into the path of the Sentra. Upon doing so, the vehicles struck head-on in the northbound lane of travel.

Bangs was not restrained and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Evangeline Parish Coroner’s Office. Clark was also unrestrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Impairment on the part of both drivers is unknown at this time but toxicology results have been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorist to never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. Taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 31 fatal crashes resulting in 36 deaths since the beginning of 2022.