A Mississippi man was killed on I-10 in Louisiana on Sunday while on foot.
A news release from Lousiana State Police says that 45-year-old Sylvester Horton of Canton attempted to run across the three-lane highway in Slidell when he was hit by a car.
After first responders arrived, Horton was pronounced deceased on the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.
The initial investigation led troopers to determine that the crash occurred as 23-year-old Cecilia Gayle Genova, of Metairie, was driving a 2013 Honda Fit west on Interstate 10 in the center lane.
Genova provided Troopers with a voluntary breath sample, which showed no amount of alcohol present.
Police noted that Horton was in the center median and was trying to cross the westbound lanes of the highway when he was struck. In addition to the fact that it was nighttime when the crash occurred, it was also raining and Horton was wearing dark clothing.
After the crash, officers found Horton’s 2003 Cadillac DeVille close to the scene. The vehicle was abandoned on the right shoulder of I-10 westbound. Inside the vehicle, several items were located that linked the vehicle to Horton.
With the 4th of July approaching, the news release included a tip about what to do if you find yourself stranded on the highway, stating that calling law enforcement is your best option.
“Troopers would like to remind motorists of the dangers of becoming a pedestrian on the interstate system. It is extremely difficult as a pedestrian to judge the speed of oncoming traffic.”
