Submitted by the Lafayette Police Department
LAFAYETTE, LA (October 20, 2024) – On October 20, 2024, at 3:50 a.m., The Lafayette Police Department responded to the location where Bertrand Drive and West Congress Street intersect regarding a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, it was determined that one of the involved motorists was deceased as a result of the traffic accident. Traffic investigators were called out to the scene, where they began investigating the incidents leading up to the accident. Traffic Investigators gather details and findings, which resulted in the following:
The preliminary on-scene investigation and surveillance cameras revealed vehicle #1 was traveling northbound on the 700 block of Bertrand Drive at West Congress St. in the inside lane with a red traffic signal. Vehicle #2 was traveling westbound on the 2400 block of W. Congress St. at Bertrand Dr. in the outside lane with a yellow traffic signal. Vehicle #1 failed to adhere to the red light and struck the driver’s side of Vehicle #2. Driver #1 was declared deceased on the scene. Driver #2 was transported to Ochsner University Hospital and Clinic due to injury sustained in the collision, where he also provided a voluntary blood sample. No signs of impairment were observed; however, results are pending. This crash is still under investigation with the Lafayette Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
The deceased has been identified as Molly Deshotels, 33, of Lafayette, Louisiana.