Byron Starks Jr. Obituary, Death: Man ID’d after fatal pedestrian crash on Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette

Byron Starks Jr. Obituary, Death – A fatal accident occurred early Tuesday morning in Lafayette, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle, according to local authorities. The Lafayette Police Department has identified the victim as 29-year-old Byron Starks Jr., a resident of Lafayette. The crash took place on July 15 just before 5 a.m., along the southeast section of Evangeline Thruway, near the intersection with Tower Drive.

Police reported that a vehicle traveling northbound on the Thruway left its lane and veered off the roadway. During this maneuver, the car struck Starks, who had been walking along the outer shoulder of the road at the time. The force of the impact proved fatal, and Starks died at the scene.

Authorities have not released any further details about the exact circumstances that caused the vehicle to leave the road. They did confirm, however, that the driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officers. Following a preliminary investigation, officers determined that the driver showed no signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs.

Because no evidence of impairment was found, the driver was not taken into custody. However, police emphasized that the investigation remains open, and they continue to examine all factors that may have contributed to the deadly incident. This includes checking for possible distractions, mechanical issues, or road conditions at the time of the crash.

Investigators may also review nearby surveillance footage, talk to witnesses, and conduct a full analysis of the crash scene in order to build a clearer picture of what led to the tragic collision.

The death of Byron Starks Jr. has saddened the Lafayette community. Friends, family, and local residents are mourning the unexpected loss of a young man whose life was cut short. Details about Starks’ background have not been made public, but tributes and condolences have begun to surface on social media and in the neighborhood.

The stretch of SE Evangeline Thruway where the incident occurred is a heavily traveled roadway, and accidents involving pedestrians have happened there before. Local officials may review pedestrian safety in the area as part of the ongoing investigation and consider whether improvements to signage, lighting, or road design are needed.

Police continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Lafayette Police Department. Any leads could help determine whether further action is warranted in the case.

As the investigation moves forward, authorities hope to bring answers to those affected by this tragedy. In the meantime, the community remembers Byron Starks Jr. and reflects on the need for caution and safety on busy roadways.