Louisiana Tow Operator Struck and Killed on I-49

A Louisiana tow operator was struck and killed Wednesday, April 3, on I-49 in St. Laundry Parish near the village of Washington, LA.

Operator Shannon Thibodeaux, 34, of Lafayette was assisting a disabled vehicle with a flat tire on the right shoulder at approximately 2 a.m.

A driver in an approaching F-150 pickup left the interstate and rear-ended the disabled vehicle, pushing it into the tow truck.

Thibodeaux and a passenger of the disabled vehicle, Janie Hobbs, 67, also of Lafayette, were standing outside of their vehicles and were both hit and died at the scene.

The driver of the F-150, the driver of the disabled vehicle and two additional passengers in the disabled vehicle were taken to a local hospital with moderate to severe injuries.

Louisiana State Police troopers said charges are pending against the driver of the F-150.

The crash is under investigation.