Two Orange residents killed in same-day wrecks in Louisiana

Published 10:23 pm Monday, June 17, 2024

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Two men from Orange were killed this weekend in separate vehicle wrecks less than 10 miles apart in Starks, La.

The first single-vehicle accident took place about 3 a.m. on Sunday on Green Moore Road near Doyle Cemetery Road, according to information from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The initial investigation revealed a truck was traveling north on Green Moore Road when it crossed the centerline, running off the roadway and striking a tree. The driver of the truck, Shawn D. Dreyer, 21, of Orange, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the truck was air lifted to a local hospital with serious bodily injuries and was listed in critical condition.

Officials said the crash is under investigation but speed appears to be a factor; seatbelt use is unknown at this time. As mandated by state law a toxicology report will be conducted.

Shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Green Island Road in Starks.

The initial investigation revealed the driver was traveling north on Green Island Road when he failed to negotiate a curve causing the motorcycle to run off the roadway. The driver Rick J. Hampton, 37, of Orange, was ejected from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fatality is still under investigation, but speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, officials said. As mandated by state law a toxicology report will be conducted.