Katy Wells dies in Denham Springs crash; DUI charges filed

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Katy Wells dies in Denham Springs crash; DUI charges filed

DENHAM SPRINGS, LA, (April 29, 2026) – Katy Wells, a longtime crossing guard in Denham Springs, was killed Thursday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while on duty, according to authorities.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) reported that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 16 and Highway 1033, outside Gray’s Creek Elementary School. Wells was directing traffic in the roadway when she was hit by a vehicle traveling along Highway 16.

Wells, who had served the local school district for four decades, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities identified the driver as 64-year-old Darren Goudeau of Walker. He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Livingston Parish Detention Center.

Goudeau faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, first offense.

The crash remains under investigation by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.


DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

This type of crash highlights how preventable impaired driving incidents can be. Drivers under the influence pose a serious threat to everyone on the roadway and can cause devastating consequences.

“Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs may face criminal charges when a collision results in injury or death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

She added, “Beyond criminal liability, a victim’s family may also be eligible to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party.”

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 10 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications, making them the second-leading cause of roadway fatalities in the United States.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

As the investigation continues, the family of Katy Wells may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. Families who lose loved ones in fatal crashes can pursue damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“The emotional impact after losing a loved one in such an accident can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

“We understand the difficulties families face during these times, and protecting their rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney can monitor the investigation and help ensure the family’s legal interests are fully represented,” Formica added.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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