St. Landry Parish – At approximately 10:15 p.m. on November 11, 2021, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 742 near Odom Avenue in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 23-year-old Jonathon Paul Whaley of Port Barre.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Whaley was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado east on LA 742. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway to the right. Upon doing so, the vehicle struck a tree.

Whaley was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. Speed is believed to be a factor and this crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 51 fatal crashes resulting in 61 deaths in 2021.