(LA) Beloved crossing guard killed by suspected impaired driver while helping kids cross street
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - A crossing guard was killed while directing traffic in front of a Louisiana elementary school on Thursday afternoon.
The driver who hit the crossing guard was allegedly impaired, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Katy Wells served the Livingston Parish community for decades. Her death has shocked neighbors across Denham Springs. Arrest made in fatal crash
The sheriff’s office said an impaired driver struck Wells at about 3:30 p.m. on April 30 as she was directing traffic along Louisiana Highway 16.
The crash happened as she was helping children safely cross the road at the end of the school day.
Authorities arrested the driver, 64-year-old Darren Goudeau, and charged him with negligent homicide and first-offense DWI.
“I can’t tell you how devastating this is. This is just a very sad moment in this area,” Sheriff Jason Ard said. “We will continue to follow that and make sure we get good prosecution on this.”
Goudeau remains in jail on a $101,000 bond.
Michelle Schafer knew Wells for 25 years. She worked as Wells’ colleague for several years at the YMCA.
“Miss Katy loved her job. She loved her kids. She loved what she did. She loved this community so much,” Schafer said. “She was a dedicated staff member. She would come every afternoon from 5 to 9 and was the front desk manager, and she kept all of us in line.”
Wells served as a crossing guard in Denham Springs for more than 40 years, working with both the sheriff’s office and school board. She served at Gray’s Creek Elementary and Seventh Ward schools.
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