St. Landry Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a crash involving a pedestrian on US Highway 71 near Roy Baker Road in St. Landry Parish shortly before 7:30 P.M. on December 6, 2021. The pedestrian killed in the crash has been identified as 15-year old Cheyenne Cesar Thomas of Ville Platte.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed the pedestrian was walking north in the center of the northbound lane of US 71 when she was struck by a northbound 2000 Ford F250 pickup. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the F250 submitted a breath sample, indicating no alcohol present, and was not impaired at the time of the crash. The driver was properly restrained and suffered no injuries. This crash remains under investigation.