4-car wreck leads to death of 27-year-old Destrehan man

A 27-year-old Destrehan man, Rafael Rangel, died April 3 after his 1990 Toyota Corolla was involved in a four-car accident on Highway 90 in Jefferson Parish.

An investigation by  Louisiana State Troopers determined that Donald Scioneaux, 37, was intoxicated when his 1999 Dodge Caravan slammed into Rangel’s vehicle at a red light at the intersection of Highway 90 and Brown Avenue.
The accident also involved a 2003 Nissan Exterra driven by 52-year-old David Grabert of Westwego and a fourth passenger vehicle.

“The Dodge was traveling westbound on Highway 90 in the center lane when it hit the rear of the Toyota, which was stopped at a red light,” said Sgt. Joseph Piglia. “After the Dodge made impact with the Toyota, the Toyota was forced into the rear of the Nissan, which was forced into the rear of the fourth passenger vehicle.”

After the crash, Rangel was transported to University Hospital in New Orleans were he died shortly after arrival.
“The front passenger of the Toyota, Marie Guerrero and a 2-year-old, who was restrained in a car seat, were transported to West Jefferson Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries,” added Piglia.

According to state police reports, Grabert complained of minor injuries, but refused medical attention. The driver of the fourth vehicle suffered no injuries and had minor vehicle damage.

Scioneaux was arrested and booked at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on the following charges: driving while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injuring, careless operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended driver’s license and no insurance.