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New Orleans – On July 29, 2023, shortly after 3:30 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a single-vehicle crash on the entrance ramp from Convention Center Boulevard to the US 90B west HOV lane. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 75-year-old Yvette Bowens of New Orleans.

The initial investigation revealed that 74-year-old Spurgeon Lewis of New Orleans, was driving a 2009 Honda Accord on the entrance ramp to the US 90B west HOV lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda traveled off the roadway and impacted the concrete barrier.

Bowens, who was the front seat passenger, suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she died. Restraint use for Bowens is still being determined. Lewis, who was restrained at the time of the crash, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Impairment on the part of Lewis is unknown and routine toxicology results are pending.

Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash. Avoid distractions that take the driver’s focus away from the road. Having a plan and making safe decisions could be the difference for tomorrow.