Ville Platte, LA (10/14/2023) – On October 13, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 10 near Tiger Lane in Evangeline Parish. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Christopher A. Bellard of Ville Platte.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2020 Ford Escape was traveling east on LA 10. At the same time, Bellard was walking east in the middle of the eastbound lane and was struck by the Ford.
Bellard suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford was not injured.
Impairment on the part of Bellard is unknown, and a standard toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. The driver of the Ford was not suspected of being impaired and submitted a breath sample, which showed no alcohol present. Toxicology results are pending, and this crash remains under investigation.
While nearly 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, troopers urge pedestrians to always maintain heightened awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, not walking too close to roadways, and walking against traffic flow could prevent most pedestrian-related crashes.
Troop I has investigated 41 fatal crashes resulting in 46 deaths since the beginning of 2023.
