Fatal accident claims the life of an elderly pedestrian in the municipality of Iberia

A tragic accident on Louisiana Highway 83 south of Louisiana Highway 14 resulted in the death of 75-year-old New Iberia resident Francis Firmin on the night of July 13, 2024.

According to Louisiana State Police Troop I, the incident occurred just before 10 p.m. as Firmin was setting up triangular traffic cones on southbound LA 83. His vehicle became stuck in the east ditch and he attempted to recover it. Meanwhile, Firmin was struck by a 2002 Ford Mustang traveling southbound on LA 14.

Firmin suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Ford, who was properly wearing a seat belt, sustained no injuries. Although the Ford driver is not suspected of being impaired, standard toxicology samples were taken from all involved and sent for analysis.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing.