Devastating Crash Claims Two Young Lives

Devastating Crash Claims Two Young Lives

In the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, tragedy struck on LA Highway 20 in Chackbay, Lafourche Parish, approximately five miles north of Thibodaux. Two vehicles—carrying four individuals between them—collided head-on just after midnight following one of the drivers crossing the center line.

• Draven Hendon, age 30, of Thibodaux, and

• Jordan Landry, age 22, of Houma,

were fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the other occupants and the condition of the second vehicle’s driver/passenger have not been disclosed in preliminary reports.

The fatal crash is part of a larger surge in traffic deaths in the region. Just within that night, law enforcement confirmed eight fatalities across three separate crashes in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Tangipahoa parishes lsp.org+4breakingnownews.com+4wdsu.com+4lsp.org+5wdsu.com+5wbrz.com+5fox8live.com.

🚨 Early Investigations & Distraught Community

Louisiana State Police (LSP) Troop C have launched a full investigation into this incident. Initial findings indicate that the driver of one vehicle deviated into oncoming traffic, triggering a catastrophic collision. Authorities are exploring possible contributing factors, including impairment or reckless driving—paralleling a troubling pattern they’ve identified these past few months .

These crashes come on the heels of other fatal traffic incidents in the parish over the past year: a December 17, 2024 crash on LA‑20 claimed the life of a passenger after a Dodge Charger illegally passed through a no‑passing zone lsp.org+1calcasieu.info+1. There were also two separate fatal crashes earlier this year tied to impaired or negligent driving in Lafourche Parish and surrounding areas wbrz.com+8wdsu.com+8lsp.org+8.

🕊️ Lives Lost, Community Devastated

Draven Hendon, 30 — Thibodaux

A Thibodaux native, Draven was remembered by friends and family as driven, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his close-knit circle.

Jordan Landry, 22 — Houma

Originally from Houma, Jordan was embarking on adulthood with a bright future ahead—recently graduated and eager to carve out a meaningful path.

Their untimely deaths—mere hours apart—spurred immediate grief and reflection throughout both communities. Local officials, faith leaders, and individuals from schools and workplaces affected by the loss are expected to organize vigils and memorial services in the coming days.

⚠️ A Call for Accountability & Road Safety

Louisiana State Police emphasized the preventability of these tragic incidents, urging drivers to avoid impairment, adhere to speed limits, and resist risky maneuvers—particularly in no-passing zones lsp.org+2wdsu.com+2calcasieu.info+2.

Their message echoes broader road-safety campaigns across the state, which have intensified following a string of fatalities linked to impaired, reckless, or negligent driving.

🔍 What Comes Next?

• LSP Troop C continues to investigate, gathering evidence and toxicology reports to determine fault and criminal liability.

• If impairment is confirmed, charges could include vehicular homicide, DWI, or negligent homicide, similar to previous cases in the area lsp.org.

• Community response: Families are starting to plan memorials and grief support initiatives. The crash has sparked renewed calls for safe-driving awareness across Lafourche Parish.

🕯️ Remembering Draven & Jordan

• ✨ Draven Hendon, 30 – A devoted son and friend, whose presence illuminated those closest to him.

• ✨ Jordan Landry, 22 – A young adult on the brink of promise, taken far too soon.

Their families, friends, and neighbors now endure a heavy grief shared by countless Louisiana communities where road tragedies have struck suddenly and senselessly.

In Summary

The dual loss of Draven and Jordan is a somber reminder that many road deaths are not accidents—they are preventable events. As law enforcement continues its investigation, what remains more crucial is how communities respond: with vigilance, education, and commitment to safe-driving.

My sincerest condolences go out to all affected. If you have any updates—memorial plans, community vigils, or news of official proceedings—I’d be honored to help craft respectful announcements or further coverage.