Two men died on New Year’s Day when the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette they were in crashed on La. 35 south of Lawtell.
Louisiana State Police Troop I troopers were notified of a single-vehicle crash on La. 35 near Mandy Road in St. Landry Parish shortly after 4:30 a.m. Friday.
The crash took the life of 21-year-old Garrett Allen Deshotel of Branch and 22-year-old Trey Steven Deslatte (aka Trey Lane Hebert) of Church Point.
State Police stated the crash occurred as the two men were traveling in a 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, south on La. 35 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned several times.
Troopers determined both of the men were unrestrained. Deshotel was located in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Deslatte was ejected from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital in critical condition but, ultimately, succumbed to his injuries.
Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash and impairment is unknown. Standard toxicology samples were obtained for analysis.
Investigators are working to determine which of two men were driving at the time of the crash.
This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Properly worn seat belts also help to keep the occupants of vehicles in their seat and protect the head and spine. Please be a responsible driver or a responsible passenger, and buckle up every ride, every time.
Troop I has investigated 1 fatal crash resulting in 2 deaths in 2021.