Louisiana crossing guard killed by alleged drunk driver
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A beloved crossing guard who helped children cross the street in Louisiana on Thursday was shot and killed by an allegedly impaired driver, authorities announced.
Katy Wells, who served the Livingston County community for more than 40 years, died after being struck by 64-year-old driver Darren Goudeau, according to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
She was helping children cross the street around 3:30 a.m. Thursday when Goudeau, who was driving north on Route 16, struck and killed her, the sheriff’s office said.
“What a tragic loss. He’s such a well-known person in our community. He was so loved, so full of energy. He loved these kids, he loved what he did every day. It’s just a tragic event,” said Livingston County Sheriff Jason Ard. video on facebook.
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Mugshot of 64-year-old Darren Goudeau. Goudeau was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and second offense DWI after he allegedly shot and killed Katy Wells, a beloved toll gate attendant in Livingston County, Louisiana. 4/30/26. (Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office)
Ard also announced that Goudeau was charged with vehicular homicide and first offense DWI. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office announced that the first offense DWI was later upgraded to a second offense DWI when authorities discovered Goudeau also received a DWI in 2022.
Wells was well-liked by his local community. Years of social media posts from Seventh Ward Elementary School, where she worked, highlighted her commitment to the community and were filled with glowing comments from residents.
“Miss Katy has a heart of gold and has been a great help to me since my first year teaching in the Seventh Ward in 1990! She even substituted for me after I did traffic work! Thank you for your smiles and friendship! She is truly one of a kind!” Gayla Jopling Johnson commented In a video from 2019.
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Kim Toothman Pickett also said, “Katy has been one of my mainstays for many years, especially since my husband passed away. My kids and I love ‘Miss Katy.'”
Children with backpacks cross a street, guided by a security guard who passes a yellow school bus with an extended stop sign. (Getty Images)
While many in the community mourned, some also called for action.
Courtney Hatcher, who lives across the street from the school, warned that cars were going too fast on the highway in front of the elementary school.
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“We’re walking to school, so I’ve seen people fly by. They’ve almost hit us before because they’re not paying attention or they’re going too fast or whatever the case may be,” Hatcher told WBRC.
He suggested lowering the speed limit to at least 45 mph.
A crossing guard helps cross the street on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in Fountain Valley, California. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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“It could have been me and my kids because we’re walking, we’re walking every day, and I’m so thankful it didn’t happen, but I’m so sorry for him and his family,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Livingston Parish Detention Center told Fox News Digital that Goudeau is being held on $102,000 bail.
