Three HHS class of 2021 grads killed by suspected drunk driver

A two-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after midnight this morning on LA Hwy 20 in Chackbay claimed the lives of three Hahnville High School class of 2021 graduates – Michaila Bowling of Luling, Hali Coss of Luling and Lily Dufrene of Luling.

The preliminary investigation revealed that 39-year-old Joey Clement of Thibodaux was driving northbound on Louisiana Highway 20 in a 2019 Ford F-150 when he crossed the centerline and struck a SUV head-on, according to Louisiana State Police Troop C Public Affairs Spokesman Trooper Ross Brennan.

“After the crash, both vehicles became engulfed in flames,” a press release stated. “All three occupants in the SUV suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Clement experienced minor injuries. Clement was unrestrained while restraint use is unknown for the SUV occupants.”

According to State Police, Clement displayed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI fourth offense with additional charges pending. Toxicology samples were collected from both drivers and submitted for analysis.

The crash remains under investigation.

In an email to Nicholls State University students today, a university spokesperson identified the crash victims and offered condolences to the family and friends of the three college freshmen. Bowling and Dufrene were studying nursing at NSU, while Coss was an allied health sciences freshman.

 

About Monique Roth 919 Articles
Roth has both her undergraduate and graduate degree in journalism, which she has utilized in the past as an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University and a reporter at various newspapers and online publications. She grew up in LaPlace, where she currently resides with her husband and three daughters.

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