Fourchon, LA (7/22/2024) – Early on July 21, 2024, Louisiana State Police Troop C responded to a tragic two-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 3090 near AJ Estay Road, which resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and injuries to others.
The collision occurred shortly after 1:00 a.m. and involved an 18-year-old driver from Honduras, Axel Flores-Cordova, who was operating a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound on LA Hwy 3090. Simultaneously, 18-year-old Rylan Oncale of Raceland was driving a 2023 Kia Rio northbound on the same highway. According to the preliminary investigation, the Jeep crossed the center line into the path of the Kia. Oncale attempted to avoid the collision by steering left, but Flores-Cordova corrected his course by steering right, resulting in a head-on collision in the southbound lane.
Flores-Cordova, who was not wearing a seatbelt, escaped the crash without injury. Tragically, both Oncale and his front passenger, 18-year-old Taliyah Crochet of Houma, who were properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries. Crochet died at the scene, while Oncale succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. Two rear-seat passengers in the Kia sustained moderate injuries and were transported to an out-of-area hospital; their restraint use is still under investigation.
Troopers at the scene determined that Flores-Cordova was impaired. His voluntary breath sample indicated a blood alcohol concentration nearly seven times the legal limit for underage drivers, which is 0.02% in Louisiana. Consequently, Flores-Cordova was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, DWI first offense, open alcoholic container in vehicle, driving left of center, no driver’s license, and no seatbelt. A standard toxicology sample was also collected from Oncale for analysis.
The incident underscores the severe consequences of impaired driving. Louisiana State Police emphasize the dangers of driving under the influence, particularly for underage drivers, who are more susceptible to the impairing effects of alcohol. This crash marks the 13th fatal incident investigated by Troop C in 2024, resulting in a total of 16 fatalities.
