By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

PARADIS — A three-vehicle crash killed a Morgan City man Monday morning in Paradis, according to Louisiana State Police.

Trooper First Class Joseph Piglia reported that a 2002 Ford Econoline van, driven by Joni Defelice, 46, of Houma, was westbound on U.S. Highway 90 when at 9:19 a.m., she lost control of her vehicle.

The van crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado being driven eastbound by Victor J. Williams, 66, of Morgan City. The Silverado was then hit from behind by an eastbound 1998 Peterbilt tractor/trailer driven by Edward Young, 37, of Bezoni, Miss.

The Silverado was knocked into the roadside drainage ditch, where Williams and his passenger, Evelyn A. Willaims, 64, of Morgan City, were recovered and transported to Elmwood Trauma Center in Metairie.

At the hospital, Victor Williams succumbed to his injuries, and Evelyn Williams was treated for her moderate injuries, according to Piglia, who added that everyone involved in the accident were wearing seat belts.

Defelice was charged with careless operation of a motor vehicle, pending further investigation by Senior Trooper Byron Porter. Driver impairment is not suspected as a factor in causing the accident, nor was the wet highway thought to have contributed to the accident, according to the State Police spokesman.