Acadiana's News Leader Calcasieu Deputy Killed

Lake Charles - According to Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, Deputy Randall L. Benoit, 41, was pronounced dead this morning after a head-on collision on Hwy. 27 and Red Rose Dr. in Carlyss around 8:00 a.m. He was on duty at the time of the accident. Deputy Benoit worked at the Sheriff's Office for 18 years in Corrections, Patrol, Detectives, Warrants, and Safe School Divisions. At the time of his death he was working in the Civil Division.

"Our hearts are heavy this morning with the passing of Randy," says Sheriff Tony Mancuso. "He was a great asset to our department and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time."

Louisiana State Police is investigating the accident.

Calcasieu Deputy Dies in Head-on Collision

SULPHUR, La. (AP) - A Calcasieu Parish sheriff's deputy died and another driver was critically injured in a head-on crash on La. Highway 27 in Sulphur.
 
Sheriff's office spokeswoman Kim Myers tells the American Press 41-year-old Randall L. Benoit died around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from injuries sustained in the accident.
 
Myers said Benoit was on duty at the time of the accident.
 
She says Benoit had worked at the sheriff's office for 18 years and was currently assigned to the civil division.
 
Authorities say an unidentified driver crossed the center line and smashed head-on into Benoit's vehicle.
 
The accident remains under investigation.