Thibodaux woman passes in nighttime pedestrian crash on Louisiana Highway 20
The quiet community of Thibodaux, Louisiana, is mourning the loss of 81-year-old Lois Blanchard, who tragically passed after a pedestrian-involved crash on Louisiana Highway 20 near Colonial Drive on the night of November 1, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m., prompting a rapid response and investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop C.
According to preliminary reports, Lois Blanchard, a lifelong Thibodaux resident, was walking or standing in the southbound lane of Highway 20 when she was struck by a 1994 Buick Park Avenue traveling southbound. The collision occurred under dark nighttime conditions, with limited visibility in the area. The impact caused severe injuries to Blanchard. Emergency medical services quickly arrived on the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she later passed despite efforts to save her.
The driver of the Buick remained on the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Louisiana State Police confirmed that the driver was not impaired; a voluntary breath sample returned no presence of alcohol or drugs. Authorities also collected standard toxicology samples from both the driver and the victim as part of standard procedure, with results pending further analysis.
Troop C investigators spent several hours at the scene examining evidence, including skid marks, roadway conditions, and lighting. They are working to determine how long Blanchard was in the roadway and whether other factors such as weather, visibility, or driver distraction may have contributed. Early findings suggest that the area where the crash occurred is not well-lit, and there are no sidewalks or pedestrian crossings nearby, which may have made walking in the roadway especially dangerous.
Louisiana Highway 20 is a major route that connects Thibodaux with nearby communities, and traffic often moves at higher speeds even during evening hours. Locals have long expressed concern about pedestrian safety along this stretch of road, especially for elderly residents and those without access to sidewalks.
Lois Blanchard was a beloved member of the Thibodaux community. Friends describe her as a kind, gentle woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was known for her warm smile and deep compassion for neighbors and family members. Those who knew her best say she loved gardening, visiting with friends, and attending local church services. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who cherished her.
Family members and friends are now preparing to celebrate her life and honor her memory. A memorial service is expected to be held later this week at a local church, where the community will gather to pay tribute to her life of kindness and generosity.
Following the tragedy, the Louisiana State Police issued a renewed reminder about pedestrian safety, particularly for those walking near highways or poorly lit areas. Troopers urge pedestrians to always wear reflective clothing at night, use sidewalks when available, and avoid standing in or crossing active lanes of travel. For drivers, they emphasize maintaining alertness, especially during evening hours, when visibility is reduced and pedestrians may be harder to see.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, but early indications show no signs of reckless or criminal behavior by the driver. The final report from Troop C will include the results of the toxicology tests and a full reconstruction of the crash to clarify the sequence of events.
As Thibodaux residents reflect on the loss of Lois Blanchard, many have expressed both sorrow and concern. Her passing has sparked new conversations about improving pedestrian safety measures along Louisiana Highway 20 — from better lighting to clearer crosswalk markings and community awareness campaigns.
The community’s grief is tempered by the memory of a woman who exemplified kindness and love in her daily life. Though her passing came suddenly and tragically, those who knew Lois Blanchard say her spirit of compassion will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone she touched.
Her life serves as both a reminder of the fragility of life and an inspiration for others to care for one another — on the roads, in their neighborhoods, and in their communities.
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