Moira Ritter | (TNS) The Charlotte Observer
A Louisiana mayor who was up for re-election was killed in a automobile crash on election day, in response to officers.
Louisiana state troopers stated Velma D. Hendrix, 84, died in a two-car collision on U.S. Freeway 190 close to Louisiana Freeway 741 on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Hendrix was the mayor of Melville, a city about 50 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, and up for re-election, in response to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Courtroom, Charles Jagneaux.
Troopers stated the wreck occurred round 11 a.m. when a 2015 Ram 2500 pickup truck did not cease at a cease signal, crossed each lanes of Freeway 190, and struck the passenger facet of a 2008 Acura RDX. Hendrix was on the left facet within the again row of the Acura. She was not sporting a seat belt.
Hendrix was transported to a hospital in vital situation, in response to a information launch from the state freeway patrol. She died on the hospital.
4 others within the Acura suffered “reasonable to vital accidents,” troopers stated. The motive force of the Ram pickup truck was additionally not sporting a seat belt, however he was not injured. He had no indicators of impairment.
The truck driver was cited for failure to yield from a cease signal and no seat belt, troopers stated. The crash stays underneath investigation.
The Melville group is mourning the lack of Hendrix and getting ready to maneuver ahead with a revised election plan.
New candidates can be eligible to qualify for the mayoral election between Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Monday, Nov. 14, Jagneaux stated in a Fb submit. The brand new election can be held Dec. 10. If no different candidate qualifies earlier than Monday, although, the candidate with essentially the most votes from Nov. 8 will win the seat.
Hendrix “was a pillar of the group,” one particular person wrote on Fb.
“She was an exquisite lady, so grateful to have identified her!!!” one other posted.