Waddell Mulmore Obituary, Death – Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly crash in Iberia Parish that claimed the life of a Lake Charles man early Tuesday morning. Authorities said the collision occurred on Tuesday, September 2, just before 6 a.m. along U.S. 90, near the intersection with Neco Town Road. According to state police, the victim was 58-year-old Waddell Mulmore, who died as a result of the crash.
A preliminary investigation determined that Mulmore was driving a 2000 GMC Sierra westbound on U.S. 90 when the accident unfolded. At the same time, a 2020 Nissan Murano was traveling east in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, Mulmore’s pickup veered off the right side of the roadway. In an attempt to correct course, the driver overcorrected, causing the truck to cross both westbound lanes, then enter the median. The vehicle continued through, crossed into the eastbound lanes, and collided with the oncoming Nissan.
The force of the impact left Mulmore with fatal injuries. State police confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Nissan, who was properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been publicly updated.
As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were collected from both drivers and will be analyzed to determine whether impairment played a role in the collision. Final results are pending, and investigators are continuing to examine other possible contributing factors, including driver behavior and road conditions.
State police emphasized that while not every crash is survivable, certain safety measures can greatly improve a driver’s chances of avoiding serious injury or death. In their release, troopers reminded motorists of the importance of making sound decisions behind the wheel—avoiding impairment, distraction, or fatigue while driving. They also reinforced the life-saving value of seatbelts, pointing out that buckling up takes only seconds but significantly reduces risks during a crash.
“While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as wearing a seatbelt, staying alert, and obeying traffic laws can often mean the difference between life and death,” authorities stated.
The crash adds to a troubling trend of serious and fatal accidents on Louisiana highways, many of which involve factors such as overcorrection, high speeds, and lack of seatbelt use. Law enforcement and safety officials continue to urge drivers across the state to remain vigilant and practice defensive driving to help reduce roadway tragedies.
For now, the community of Lake Charles is left mourning the sudden loss of Waddell Mulmore, as investigators work to determine the precise circumstances of the crash. The case remains open, with findings from toxicology and further evidence expected to shed more light on what caused the deadly accident.
