Short headline: Thibodaux pedestrian passes after crash on LA Highway 20 near Colonial Drive
In Thibodaux, Louisiana, the community is deeply saddened following a tragic incident that occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on the evening of November 1, 2025. On State Highway 20 near the intersection with Colonial Drive, Lois Blanchard, age 81 and a longtime resident of Thibodaux, was struck by a vehicle and later passed away from her injuries. (lsp.org)
According to investigators from Louisiana State Police Troop C, the collision involved a 1994 Buick Park Avenue that was traveling southbound in the left lane of Louisiana Highway 20. At the same time, Lois Blanchard was standing within the same left travel lane. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle struck Blanchard, inflicting severe injuries. (lsp.org)
After the impact, first responders transported Ms. Blanchard to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Buick was uninjured. Louisiana State Police confirmed that the driver was not believed to be impaired — a voluntary breath sample resulted in no alcohol detected. Investigators also obtained a standard toxicology sample from Ms. Blanchard for further analysis. (lsp.org)
The crash’s location — Hwy 20 near Colonial Drive in Terrebonne Parish — is a key corridor in the region, running north-south through residential and commercial zones. At the time of the collision, the roadway was presumably dark and the pedestrian was standing in a travel lane rather than on a sidewalk or shoulder. These factors underscore the hazardous nature of the event and the vulnerability of any person on foot in a vehicle traffic flow.
Authorities emphasize that while the driver of the vehicle appears to have been compliant and uninjured, the overall circumstances remain under investigation. Troop C officials are gathering evidence to determine why the pedestrian was in the lane of travel, what lighting and visibility conditions existed, and whether any contributing factors (such as fatigue, distraction, or environmental conditions) played a role. The case remains classified as a pedestrian-involved fatality, and further details will be released when available. (lsp.org)
In response to the tragedy, the local community of Thibodaux is mourning the passing of Lois Blanchard, described by acquaintances as a longtime resident who cared about her neighborhood and enjoyed spending time with family. While full details of her life and contributions are not yet publicly expanded upon, her loss has drawn attention to pedestrian safety in the area.
Safety officials are urging both pedestrians and drivers to remain vigilant — for pedestrians, this includes staying off travel lanes, wearing reflective or light-colored clothing when near roadways at night, avoiding dark roadways, and walking facing oncoming traffic when needed. For drivers, the reminder is to watch for unexpected pedestrians, especially near intersections or in zones with limited lighting, and to be prepared to slow or stop. (lsp.org)
The Louisiana State Police Troop C has invited anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who might have dash-cam or surveillance footage of the area around the time of the crash to contact their Public Affairs Section. They hope to piece together all available information to understand the full sequence of events and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the people of Thibodaux and surrounding communities offer their condolences to the family of Lois Blanchard and reflect on the sudden, heartbreaking nature of losing a loved one in a traffic-related incident. The hope is that increased awareness and improved pedestrian-vehicle interaction will follow in her memory.
