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Donaldsonville – Last night, shortly before 6 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash on LA Hwy 1 at its intersection with LA Hwy 943 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 17-year-old Charidy Dunbar of Gonzalez.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Dunbar, in a 2022 Nissan Sentra, was westbound on LA Hwy 943. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan approached the intersection of LA Hwy 943 and LA Hwy 1 and failed to stop at the stop sign. At the same time, a 2015 Porsche Macan was northbound on LA Hwy 1 approaching the intersection with LA Hwy 943. The Nissan entered directly into the path of the Porsche. The Porsche struck the driver side of the Nissan. After the initial impact, the Nissan traveled off the roadway and overturned. At that time, a 2006 Toyota Highlander was southbound on LA Hwy 1 preparing to make a left turn onto LA Hwy 943. After the Porsche impacted the Nissan, the Porsche then struck the Toyota.

Dunbar was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Dunbar was pronounced deceased on the scene. A juvenile passenger in the Nissan was also unrestrained and suffered moderate injuries. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital. Both the driver of the Porsche and Toyota, as well as a passenger in the Toyota, were all properly restrained and uninjured as a result of the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from all drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.