LACOMBE — A 15-year-old Slidell teenager was killed in a car accident on Highway 190 near Lacombe, when the driver of the vehicle he was in went onto the shoulder of the highway to pass another vehicle, State Police officials reported.
Thomas Populus, a student at Slidell Junior High, died from injuries he received in the accident after Brian Williams, 19 years-old from Slidell, drove his 2008 Ford Mustang onto the shoulder of Highway 190, approximately 3.5 miles east of Lacombe, at 9 p.m. at night.
State Police Troop L Spokesman Nick Manale said Williams tried to pass a slower moving car, but lost control of the Mustang, causing it to spin as he crossed back across both lanes of traffic and hit several large trees off the side of the road.
Populus, who was not wearing a seat belt, was killed when he was thrown into the rear window. Williams, also not wearing a seat belt, according to Manale, was ejected from the vehicle with serious injuries. He was taken to LSU University Medical Center in New Orleans.
Manale said that alcohol or drug use is still undetermined, pending toxicology results. Charges are pending against Williams when he is released from the hospital.
“This is a testament to the importance of being properly restrained at all times,” Manale said. “Troopers statewide participate in proactive injury prevention programs targeting young drivers; however, the task of keeping teens safe begins at home with parents providing a positive example.”
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