AVOYELLES PARISH, LA (July 19, 2024) – In the early hours of July 19, 2024, a tragic accident claimed the life of 62-year-old Joseph McGee of Bunkie. Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the scene of the one-vehicle crash on Dewey Bernard Road, near Louisiana Highway 115, around 4:30 a.m.
Initial investigations indicate that McGee was driving a 2010 Jaguar westbound on Dewey Bernard Road when, for reasons still under investigation, he left the roadway. The vehicle traveled down a ditch embankment and began to overturn, resulting in McGee being ejected from the vehicle.
Unfortunately, McGee, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Routine toxicology samples have been collected and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation by authorities.
The Louisiana State Police emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, noting that while not all crashes are survivable, the proper use of seatbelts can significantly decrease the risk of death and reduce the severity of injuries. Ensuring that every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.
In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 34 fatal crashes resulting in 38 fatalities.
Source: Louisiana State Police
Office: (318) 266-7275
