Lafayette, Louisiana – Two Lafayette residents tragically lost their lives in a devastating three-vehicle crash in St. Landry Parish. The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of Janie Hobbs, 67, and Shannon Thibodeaux, 34. According to a Louisiana State Police news release, the collision happened when a pickup truck struck the rear end of their vehicle while it was being towed.
The State Police report revealed that Bryan Dugan, 64, from Oklahoma, was driving south on Interstate 49 in his Ford F-150 when he collided with a Nissan Titan on the side of the road with a flat tire. Tragically, Thibodeaux, the tow truck operator, and Hobbs, the Nissan’s passenger, were outside their vehicles when they were struck by Dugan’s truck. Dugan, the Nissan’s driver, and two other passengers sustained moderate to severe injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, pending charges against Dugan loom. This tragic event adds to the toll of fatal crashes investigated by Troop I, which has already seen 12 fatal incidents resulting in 13 deaths in the year 2024.
The community in Lafayette mourns the loss of Hobbs and Thibodeaux, highlighting the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving. The impact of this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the road and the need for drivers to exercise caution at all times. As the investigation unfolds, authorities work tirelessly to uncover the details and factors that led to this heartbreaking outcome.