Longtime SLEMCO board member and racing commission chair killed in two-vehicle accident; driver of car that struck him head-on facing multiple charges.
Photo by Dean Church
Longtime SLEMCO board member Jerry Meaux died Thursday when his truck was hit head-on.
A two-vehicle crash in Lafayette Parish Thursday afternoon ended the life of longtime SLEMCO board member and former president Jerry Meaux, 74, of Duson. At the time of his death, Meaux was chairman of the Louisiana Racing Commission. A 22-year-old woman is facing criminal charges, including DWI.
The accident occurred on Louisiana Hwy. 342 east of Hwy. 35.
Blaire Duhon, 22, is facing DWI, vehicular homicide and driving left of center charges
According to State Police, 22-year-old Blaire Duhon of Scott was driving a 1993 Chevrolet truck west on 342 and approaching a curve. Meaux also was approaching the curve in his 2006 Chevrolet truck while heading in the opposite direction and was struck head-on by Duhon, whom State Police say crossed the center line. Meaux, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner.
Troopers booked Duhon into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center with DWI, vehicular homicide and driving left of center.
SLEMCO CEO and General Manage J.U. Gajan released the following statement: "It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the death of our long-time board member, Jerry Meaux. He faithfully served the SLEMCO membership for 32 years as a board member and 22 of those years as our board president. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."