Mamou man dies in head-on collision

MAMOU - An early morning crash Friday, April 18, claimed the life of a Mamou man after a head-on collision occurred on state Highway 13, near state Highway 374, a few miles south of Mamou in Evangeline Parish.

Trooper David Anderson, Louisiana State Police, reported, “troopers found the two vehicle head-on collision had claimed the life of an unrestrained passenger. Preliminary investigation revealed 29-year-old Joseph Cashen of Eunice was operating a 2001 Jeep northbound on Highway 13. For unknown reasons Cashen crossed the center line and traveled into the path of a southbound 1993 Chevrolet truck, which was being operated by Willie Shillow of Mamou. Cashen and a passenger in his vehicle were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. Sixty-two-year-old Felix Shillow, a passenger in the Chevrolet truck, was not restrained and was killed in the crash.”

Anderson said alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor in this crash and charges are pending against Cashen.

He encouraged motorists to remember seatbelts should be worn at all times and not to drink and drive. “Seatbelts aren’t as confining as a wheel chair or a casket.”