Lake Charles, LA –
On Saturday, April 6, at approximately 2:40 p.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched near the intersection of W. Gauthier Road and Sun Meadow Lane in Lake Charles in reference to a single vehicle crash.
The preliminary investigation revealed a truck was traveling westbound on W. Gauthier Road when it left the roadway, for unknown reasons, ultimately striking a culvert. The driver, Thomas Swaggart, 63, Lake Charles, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash. Although impairment is not suspected, as mandated by state law toxicology testing will be performed.
The coroner will determine cause of death.
CPSO Sr. Cpl. Travis Carroll is the lead investigator on this crash.