Tragic Morning Crash Claims Life of Opelousas Woman
The St. Landry Parish community is mourning the devastating loss of Chrystal Thevis, a 42-year-old resident of Opelousas, who was killed early Friday morning in a tragic collision on U.S. Highway 167 near Flamingo Road. The fatal crash occurred between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on August 15, 2025, and involved two separate vehicles.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop I, preliminary findings reveal that Thevis was crossing Highway 167 wearing dark clothing when she was struck by a southbound 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Moments later, another southbound vehicle also hit her. That second driver, however, fled the scene and has yet to be identified. Despite the rapid arrival of first responders, Thevis suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the location.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Hit-and-Run Driver
Authorities report that the driver of the Toyota 4Runner was wearing a seatbelt and escaped without injury. While impairment was not suspected, a breath test was administered, and the results confirmed the absence of alcohol. Toxicology tests are also being performed on Thevis as part of the ongoing investigation.
State Police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating the driver who fled. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on August 15 to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Louisiana State Police website, by calling Troop I at 337-262-5880, or through the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
The hit-and-run aspect of this tragedy has added another layer of grief for Thevis’s family, who are pleading for justice. As investigators continue their work, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers and accountability in the days to come.
Remembering the Life of Chrystal Thevis
Friends and loved ones describe Chrystal Thevis as a caring, warm-hearted woman who brought joy to those around her. Whether through her smile, her kindness, or her willingness to help others, she made a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her sudden and violent passing has left her family devastated, struggling to process the shock of losing her so unexpectedly.
In Opelousas and across St. Landry Parish, tributes have begun to pour in, with neighbors, friends, and community members offering condolences and sharing memories. Many are calling not only for justice for Chrystal but also for increased awareness about pedestrian safety, especially during nighttime hours on high-speed roads.
While her life was taken in an instant, the memory of Chrystal Thevis will live on in the hearts of those
