Vehicle struck crossing guard near Highway 1033 outside Grays Creek Elementary
April 29, 2026 | Denham Springs, LA
The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal pedestrian collision in Denham Springs that claimed the life of a dedicated school crossing guard.
Katy Wells died after being struck by a vehicle while working as a crossing guard at Highway 16 and Highway 1033 outside Gray's Creek Elementary in Livingston Parish.
What Happened in the Crash?
On April 29, around 3:30 p.m., Katy Wells was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 1033, outside Gray's Creek Elementary School.
- Victim: Katy Wells, a crossing guard who served the school district for 40 years.
- Location: Highway 16 and Highway 1033, Denham Springs, Louisiana.
- Time: Approximately 3:30 p.m.
- Driver: 64-year-old Darren Goudeau of Walker, arrested at the scene.
- Charges: Vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, first offense.
- Agency Involved: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, ongoing investigation.
Wells succumbed to her injuries from the collision, highlighting the dangers faced by those protecting student safety.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable roadway tragedies, endangering pedestrians and motorists alike.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 30% of all traffic-related deaths annually.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of fatal crashes due to DUI |
30% |
CDC |
Annual alcohol-impaired driving fatalities |
Over 10,000 |
CDC |
Second-leading cause of auto fatalities |
DUI-related incidents |
National Safety Council |
These figures underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to curb such incidents.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on the implications of crashes involving impaired drivers.
"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "In cases such as this, families may pursue civil compensation against the at-fault party."
- Impaired driving leads to severe criminal penalties, including vehicular homicide charges.
- Victims' families can seek damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Legal representation ensures families' rights are protected during investigations.
“The grief following a loved one's death in a crash can be overwhelming,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney can help families navigate the process and secure justice.”
Pending the investigation, Wells' family may explore a wrongful death claim to address the profound loss.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).