73-Year-Old Jerry Hughes Fatally Struck by SUV

A 73-year-old man from Welsh was tragically killed last week in the rural part of Jeff Davis Parish. 

Jerry W. Hughes was riding his bicycle around 8:30 A.M. heading east on Louisiana Highway 1126 when a white SUV allegedly struck him from behind. Hughes died at the scene of the incident. 

The car that smacked into Hughes and his bicycle was also eastbound but departed the location of the collision. This prompted a wide-ranging investigation by Louisiana State Police. Authorities quickly located the vehicle that was allegedly involved in the accident. Police had expected the automobile to have noticeable damage to its hood and windshield.

“The vehicle was towed back to the office and looked at on the forensic side,” said Trooper First Class officer Derek Senegal. “That information has now been submitted to the crime lab and we are waiting on results to come back to present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.” Via AmericanPress.com

Upon seizing the suspected vehicle, law enforcement also questioned the owner of the car and eyewitnesses of the event. Later in the week, police arrested a Lake Arthur man believed to be the driver of the SUV. Sixty-four-year-old Peter E. Doland was apprehended and booked into Jefferson Davis Parish Jail without bond. 

He was charged with counts of felony hit and run and careless operation of a vehicle. 

Hughes’ funeral service took place last week at Miguez Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife Linda, two sons, and several grandchildren. Hughes loved to tailgate at McNeese State sporting events and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

The Johnson Firm stands ready and able to assist families during heartbreaking motor vehicle incidents. They’re located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and can be reached at (337) 433-1414 during these difficult times.