Unrestrained Abbeville Man Killed in Crash

VERMILION PARISH — On Wednesday, Aug. 24, shortly before 4 p.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two vehicle fatality crash on La. Hwy. 82 near Horseshoe Road in Vermilion Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 21-year-old Justin Minnick of Abbeville.
The initial crash investigation led Troopers to determine 21-year-old Daniel Landry of Abbeville, was driving a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on La. 82. For unknown reasons, Landry crossed the centerline, into the eastbound lane and was struck by a 2015 Ford F-350 driven by 55-year-old Patrick Monceaux of Abbeville. Landry was wearing a seat belt and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries. Justin Minnick was a front seat passenger and was not wearing a seat belt. Minnick suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office. Monceaux was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.
Investigators obtained a toxicology sample from Landry as part of the on-going fatality investigation. The sample will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Monceaux voluntarily submitted to a chemical test and was not impaired.
The crash is still under investigation and charges are pending.
Louisiana law requires vehicle occupants to be restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Wearing a seat belt on every trip, whether it’s short or long, is the most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves in the event of a crash. Motorists are encouraged to always make the smart choice and to wear their seat belt.