One dead, another critical, vehicle towing gone wrong

Apr 29, 2023

A Chauvin woman died late Wednesday after a deadly towing incident in Bourg. A Montegut man is still critical.

According to police, Mercedee Vincent, 40, of Chauvin, was steering a Voyager that was being towed by a tow strap attached to a Trailblazer. Don Thibodeaux of Montegut was driving the Trailblazer. When Thibodeaux slowed his Trailblazer, the Voyager didn't.

According to Louisiana State Police, the Voyager crossed into the southbound lane on the left of the Trailblazer, whipped back and struck the Trailblazer on the driver's side.

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This forced both vehicles off the road where they overturned. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt and they were each thrown from the vehicles.

Vincent died on the scene, and Thibodeaux was rushed to a New Orleans hospital in critical condition.

The incident is still under investigation, police said.