Katy Wells, a crossing guard who served Livingston Parish schools and the sheriff's office for 40 years, was struck and killed on LA Highway 16 around 3:30 p.m. on April 30 while helping students cross during dismissal. Authorities arrested 64-year-old Darren Goudeau and charged him with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated; the DWI was later upgraded after a prior September 2022 arrest was discovered. The sheriff's office and school district issued tributes praising Wells' decades of service and asked for privacy for her family while the investigation continues.
Beloved Crossing Guard Katy Wells Fatally Struck by Alleged Drunk Driver During School Dismissal in Louisiana
Katy Wells and Darren GoudeauCredit: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office (2)
A longtime and much-loved crossing guard, Katy Wells, was fatally struck by a vehicle while on duty in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, on Thursday, April 30. The collision occurred on LA Highway 16 at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time as students were being dismissed for the afternoon.
Katy WellsCredit: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, the northwest-bound vehicle struck Wells while she was helping children cross the road near Seventh Ward and Gray's Creek Elementary in Denham Springs. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and deputies identified the driver as 64-year-old Darren Goudeau.
Darren GoudeauCredit: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
Goudeau was arrested and initially charged with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated (first offense). The DWI charge was later upgraded to a second offense after deputies learned he had a prior DWI arrest in September 2022. Authorities said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Katy Wells tributeCredit: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
Wells served the Livingston Parish Public School System (LPPS) and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office (LPSO) in various roles over a 40-year career. She worked as a crossing guard at Seventh Ward Elementary and Gray's Creek Elementary and was widely regarded as a devoted community servant.
"She was a true servant to her community and she will be deeply missed," the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office wrote, asking for prayers and support for Wells' family and the many community members she touched over the years.
The Livingston Parish Public School System posted a tribute on its official page, calling Wells "a beloved member of our community who was taken from us far too soon" and noting that her kindness, commitment and presence will be deeply missed by students, colleagues and neighbors.
Officials urged the public to respect the family's privacy while investigators continue to reconstruct the circumstances that led to the crash. Legal proceedings are expected to follow as the case moves through the court system.
Help us improve.
