Pregnant 20 year-old killed in Thibodaux wreck, family members launch separate investigation
Family members and authorities are seeking more information about a fatal crash Sunday in Thibodaux that claimed the life of a Houma woman.
The crash killed 20-year-old Emily Ledet and left several others injured, State Police said.
An attorney representing Ledet’s family said she is now conducting a separate investigation into the incident because the official police account left several unanswered questions.
Luling attorney Macy Lauren Ledet, who represents Emily Ledet’s family, said a high-speed police chase led up to the deadly collision.
“Our concerns are that the police are not really giving the full statement of what transpired during the accident, which is a high-speed chase,” Macy Ledet said. “Witnesses stated the vehicle and police could not have gone less than 100 mph during the time of the crash.
"It was a hot pursuit during a non-life or death situation. They were speeding to get away from police and the police were pursuing them. This was in a residential area near a ballpark where children were outside. It was reckless. It was a preventable accident.”
Related: Impairment suspected in deadly Thibodaux crash
Emily Ledet was also 9 months pregnant during the time of the crash and the baby remains in critical condition, Macy Ledet said.
“The baby is in ICU fighting for his life,” she said.
Trooper Ross Brennan said Tuesday State Police were not involved in a pursuit before the crash and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.
“Louisiana State Police Troop C is investigating all circumstances related to the fatal crash that resulted in the death of Emily Ledet,” Brennan said. “Troopers urge witnesses who have information regarding this crash to come forward and contact Troop C at 985-857-3680. Louisiana State Police was not involved in any vehicle pursuit at or near the location of La. 3185 and Ridgefield Road leading up to or at the time of the crash.”
Authorities said the crash occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on La. 3185 at the intersection with Ridgefield Road.
A 2022 Ram 2500 was traveling south on Ridgefield Road as a 2006 Ford Escape was driving east on La. 3185. As the Ram approached the intersection with La. 3185, it failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the Ford, causing both vehicles to travel off the roadway, authorities said.
The driver of the Ram, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered moderate injuries, police said. The other driver, who also was not wearing a seat belt, was hospitalized with critical injuries.
Ledet, who was the backseat passenger in the Ford, was also not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck, police said. She suffered critical injuries and later died.
Four other occupants in the Ford were not wearing seat belts and suffered moderate injuries, authorities said.
More: Mock crash at Thibodaux High School drives home lesson: 'Bad decisions can be deadly'
Both drivers were suspected of being impaired and toxicology samples were collected from both, police said.
Emily Ledet’s family members have also hired an “independent expert” to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, Macy Ledet said.
Macy Ledet is asking anyone with information about the crash to call her at 504-512-6648.
— Staff Writer Dan Copp can be reached at 448-7639 or at dan.copp@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanVCopp.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: Family members launch separate investigation into deadly Thibodaux crash
