Lafayette Teen Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on La. 31
A Lafayette teen died Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash on La. 31, marking the second fatality on the highway within three hours.
According to Master Trooper Brooks David, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. Juliana Gerami, 18, was a front-seat passenger in a Jeep driven by 18-year-old Hunter Mansour of Alexandria.
Authorities said Mansour was driving northbound when he swerved to avoid another vehicle, causing the Jeep to leave the roadway, enter a ditch, and strike a chain-link fence. Gerami sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Martin Parish Coroner officials.
Mansour and rear-seat passenger Samantha Rivero, also 18, sustained injuries but survived. All three occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Mansour received a citation for careless operation, and the crash remains under investigation.
David noted that Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers of the risks associated with distracted driving, which contributes to numerous serious crashes statewide.
Earlier Sunday, a separate single-vehicle crash on La. 31 in St. Landry Parish resulted in the death of 32-year-old Clarence Robins, who was unrestrained and struck a tree after leaving the roadway.