Crash near Duson claims Lafayette man’s life

A 92-year-old Lafayette man, Lillard Payne, died as the result of a wreck on Interstate 10 east of Duson at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, Louisiana State Police report.
Payne was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche westbound on I-10 in the right lane. While traveling west, Payne’s vehicle struck a 2001 GMC Yukon from behind, police said.
The Yukon, operated by 35-year-old Willie Jeff of Gray, was stopped in the right lane, due to a prior crash on I-10, police said.
Payne suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead on scene by a Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office representative.
Jeff sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Lafayette General Hospital by Acadian Ambulance. Both Jeff and Payne were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Impairment is not believed to be a factor in the crash. Toxicology samples were taken from Payne and Jeff and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.
This was the 26th fatal crash and the 27th fatality investigated by Troop I in 2015.