UPDATE: Driver identified in fiery crash
A driver killed in fiery single-vehicle crash Wednesday night on La. 14 just south of Hayes has been identified as 46-year-old Jessie Michael Richard of Lake Charles.
Louisiana State Police Trooper Sgt. Derek Senegal said Richard was driving a pickup truck traveling north on La. 14 when he crossed the centerline then traveled off of the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the pickup truck became engulfed in flames. Richard was unable to exit the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troop D has investigated 35 fatal crashes resulting in 38 deaths in 2023.