One man killed in car crash near Noel Road

A Church Point man is dead, and another is in critical condition after a one-car accident on LA Highway 35 near Noel Road Sunday.

Curtis Wheeler, 31, of Church Point, was thrown from the vehicle and killed.

The driver, 25-year-old Brad Wheeler of Church Point, now faces vehicular homicide charges.

State troopers said the accident occurred about 2:45 a.m. as Wheeler of Church Point was driving a Ford truck north on LA Highway 35 at high speeds. For reasons still under investigation, Wheeler traveled off the right side of the road and struck a culvert causing his vehicle to overturn several times.

Neither man was wearing a seat belt and both were ejected from the vehicle. Curtis Wheeler was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner. Brad Wheeler was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Troopers said they suspect alcohol was a factor in this crash and routine toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Once released from the hospital Brad Wheeler will be booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail for vehicular homicide, reckless operation and no seat belt.

Troopers also noted that, with the Mardi Gras celebration underway, officers across the state will have a zero tolerance for impaired drivers.