Louisiana State Police say that a pedestrian was struck and killed this morning in Calcasieu Parish while walking along LA Hwy 3020 near Goodman Road.
The pedestrian was identified by troopers as 31-year-old Jessie J. Blanchard of Iowa, Louisiana.
Troopers say that Blanchard was struck by 23-year-old Craig Guillory Jr. of Lake Charles as he was traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 3020 in his fully marked Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office 2018 Ford Explorer. At the time of the incident, troopers say that Blanchard was wearing dark colored clothing and was walking near the center line in the eastbound lane of the roadway.
Guillory was reportedly unable to avoid Blanchard and struck him. Blanchard sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.
Blanchard was transported to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Troopers say impairment is unknown at this time and that standard toxicology tests are pending.
According to troopers, Guillory was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was not injured. Impairment on Guillory’s part is not suspected, but a toxicology test was submitted. The results of that test is also pending.
Troopers believe heavy fog may have been a factor in the crash. The incident is still under investigation.
