A two-vehicle crash on La. 35 north of La. 365 near Branch killed Joseph Goodwin, 54, of Rayne shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police Troop I.
The preliminary investigation revealed Goodwin was traveling south on La. 35 in a 2014 Dodge Ram truck. For unknown reasons, Goodwin’s vehicle crossed into the northbound lane, and was struck by a tractor-trailer operated by 43-year-old Dustin Matte of Church Point.
Goodwin was wearing a seat belt, but suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead on scene by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office. Matte was wearing a seat belt and was not injured
Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers want to remind motorists of the importance of making safe driving decisions behind the wheel. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Troopers want to remind you that Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night.
