At approximately 11:40 a.m. on Friday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 10 near Louisiana Highway 433 (Old Spanish Trail) in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of Guy P. Charleville, 64, of New Orleans.

The initial on-scene investigation led troopers to determine that the crash occurred as 66-year-old Slidell resident David M. Picone was driving a 2011 Honda Accord eastbound on Interstate 10 in the center lane. A 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 26-year-old Aaron Nathaniel Lee of Picayune, Miss., was also eastbound on Interstate 10.

The Malibu was in the left lane, passing Picone’s Accord. As Lee passed, Picone merged into the left lane. The left rear of Picone’s Accord struck the right front of the Malibu, causing both vehicles to exit the roadway to the left. Picone’s vehicle traveled through the median and into the westbound lanes of Interstate 10.

After crossing into the westbound lanes, the right side of the Accord was struck by a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta was driven by 48-year-old Dena Kabala of Brigantine, N.J.

Following the crash, Picone was transported to University Medical Center-New Orleans, where he was treated for moderate injuries. A passenger in Picone’s vehicle, Guy P. Charleville was transported to Ochsner Medical Center-North Shore, where he ultimately succumbed injuries sustained in the crash. Kabala was also transported to University Medical Center-New Orleans, where she was treated for moderate injuries. Lee was uninjured in the crash.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Lee provided troopers with a voluntary breath sample, which showed no amount of alcohol present. Blood samples were collected from Picone and Kabala. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.