Lake Charles man dead, woman charged following crash
Last Modified: Monday, May 14, 2012 1:41 PM
From staff reports
A Lake Charles man was killed and a Lake Charles woman has been charged with vehicular homicidein and first-offense DWI after a accident on Gulf Highway near the Lake Charles Regional Airport, state police said.
The accident happened south of Burton Coliseum, site of tonight’s Josh Ledet concert.
"The preliminary investigation revealed that a motorcycle operated by 24-year-old Jerel Wayne Gutgsell was traveling north on La. 385 when a southbound car driven by 57-year-old Catherine Hodges made a left turn in front of the Gutgsell, causing the vehicles to collide," said Sgt. James Anderson. "Gutgsell was pronounced dead at the scene. Hodges, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured."
Anderson said Hodges may have been impaired and has been charged with vehicular homicide, first-offense DUI and failure to yield while turning.
"Last year, Troop D investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities," Anderson said. "An impaired driver was responsible for half of the deaths in those crashes. Motorists should never get behind the wheel if they are impaired and should either stay where they are or call someone who is sober to pick them up."
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to "share the road" with each other.
This is the fourth motorcyclist to die in a crash investigated by Troop D this year.
Posted By: P.Q. On: 5/18/2012
Title: REALLY?!?!
How is getting charged with vehicular homicide, first-offense DUI and failure to yield while turning a slap on the wrist? you are frickin halarious.
Posted By: Touched for life! On: 5/17/2012
Title: LIFE OF ENDLESS SMILES!!!
My heart beats slowly trying to find a beat, wondering will we ever meet. My breath I chase at endless defeat. Your face so soft I long to keep. Fighting everyday not to weep,
How can the Lord find room for such a soul. No one like you here to help me console, My heart my soul nothing left but an empty hole.
How will I find my way? Why must you lay? All day everyday I stay and pray, " Please Lord help me find a way."
As my head falls to the floor I remember you at my door. With your smile and unwilling grace.
And Oh that grin always on your face!
You are the first spark that lit my soul, burning out of control.
With every breath, with every step you have guided me to the thrown. I kiss you one last time for now your have shown at last your new home.
TO A LOVING SON, BROTHER, GRANDSON, COUSIN, NEPHEW, CO-WORKER AND MOST OF ALL A FRIEND TO ALL!
PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU!
Posted By: Mary On: 5/14/2012
Title:
I agree with April. A young man was senselessly killed. A family has had their son and brother taken from them way too soon. It was completely unnessary to inject Josh Ledet's name in this article. One is Hollywood fluff and the other an unspeakable tragedy.
Posted By: anonymous On: 5/13/2012
Title:
He was such a wonderful kid. His life taken by an inconsiderate woman who knew better and all she recieved was a slap on the wrist? How unjust is this world?
Posted By: Anominous On: 5/13/2012
Title: DWI?
RIP cousin.
Posted By: April On: 5/13/2012
Title: Really?
Are you serious, some one died at the scene of an accident and Josh Ledets name still has to be put into your article? Everyone in lake charles knows where the Burton Coliseum is....... have a little respect. It is awesome that Josh is from around here and is becoming very successful, but his name does not need to be put in every article that is written.
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