Impairment suspected in early morning fatal crash

Following Press Release from Louisiana State Police:

On October 19, 2013, at 4:21 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 385 near the Burton Complex south of Lake Charles that resulted in the death of a Lake Charles teenager and arrest of the driver.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Honda Accord driven by 21-year-old Ryan Allen Adams of Lake Charles was traveling south on LA 385 (Common Street) at its intersection with LA 3092 (Gauthier Road) when Adams lost control of the vehicle after entering the intersection.  The vehicle he was driving traveled off of the roadway and struck a metal traffic signal support pole, reentered the highway, and came to rest on the roadway.

The front seat passenger, 18-year-old Hannah Clair McVey of Lake Charles, was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Adams had his seatbelt on.  He was treated and released with minor injuries. Another passenger is still hospitalized with serious injuries.

Driver impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash.  A toxicology sample was obtained from Adams and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Adams was charged with vehicular homicide, negligent vehicular injuring, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, careless operation, and open alcoholic beverage container.  Adams was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.  Bond was set at $27,000.  The crash remains under investigation.

Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of needless deaths and injuries on Louisiana highways. Motorists are asked to designate a sober driver before traveling to any place where alcohol will be consumed.

To report impaired drivers, motorists are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Louisiana law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in every seating position, day and night.  Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the likelihood of being seriously injured or killed as the result of a crash and is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves.  Buckle up Louisiana.  Every trip.  Every time.

Troop D has investigated 20 fatal crashes resulting in 22 fatalities this year.