Fatal Crash at Major Lafayette Intersection Claims Life of Local Woman, Victim Identified
A fatal traffic accident early Sunday morning at the intersection of Bertrand Drive and West Congress Street claimed the life of a Lafayette woman.
Lafayette Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:50 a.m. on October 20, 2024, after receiving reports of a collision. Upon arrival, officers discovered that one of the motorists, identified as 33-year-old Molly Deshotels of Lafayette, had died as a result of the crash.
According to the preliminary investigation, Deshotels was driving northbound on Bertrand Drive when she failed to stop at a red light at the intersection with West Congress Street. Her vehicle collided with another car traveling westbound on West Congress, which had a yellow traffic signal. The impact struck the driver's side of Deshotels' vehicle.
The driver of the second vehicle was transported to Ochsner University Hospital and Clinic with injuries. No signs of impairment were observed in the other driver, though a voluntary blood sample was taken, and results are pending.
The crash is still under investigation by the Lafayette Police Department's Traffic Unit. Officers are working to determine the details leading up to the fatal accident, including reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras.
We will update this story if and when more information becomes available.
LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?
Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff