By Monique Roth

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – One unrestrained passenger was killed and another man was seriously injured in a St. John the Baptist Parish car crash on Sunday evening.

The April 27 accident occurred shortly before 8 p.m., and the investigation revealed the accident occurred when a 2004 Chrysler Sebring was traveling east on River Road approaching a left hand curve in Garyville.

The Sebring, driven by 22-year-old Torian Williams of Reserve, failed to negotiate the curve and traveled off the right side of the road. It is reported that Williams overcorrected back to the left, causing the Sebring to cross River Road and travel off the left side of the road where the car then struck a tree.  

After impact, the Sebring began to roll over, ejecting both Williams and passenger Leroy Noble, 21, of Reserve.

Williams, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with serious injuries.  

Noble, who not was wearing a seat belt, was transported to St. James Hospital where he was pronounced dead.   

Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash, and alcohol results are pending for Williams at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. 

This crash remains under investigation.    

Trooper Evan Harrell of the Louisiana State Police said that while not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. 

Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night.