Child dies in wreck

BY STEVE WILSON
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Monday, October 27, 2008 2:07 PM CDT

A 4-year-old child died at the scene of a single-vehicle wreck Sunday in Iberia Parish, authorities said.

State Police Public Information Officer Trooper David Anderson said Susan Hebert, 47, of Erath, was driving a 2007 Nissan Altima north on Louisiana 89 entering Iberia Parish from Vermilion Parish at approximately 11:10 a.m. when she failed to properly negotiate a curve.

Anderson said Hebert lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the road, struck a culvert and overturned. 

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Hebert was unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. Her 4-year-old granddaughter, who was riding in the front passenger seat and also not restrained, was not ejected and died on the scene from her injuries, Anderson said.

The victim’s name was not released.

Anderson said a rear seat passenger, Hebert’s 1-year-old granddaughter, was in a child seat, properly restrained and received only minor injuries.

Hebert was taken to Abbeville General Hospital with moderate injuries. Results from alcohol and drug tests, which are mandatory in fatal wrecks, are pending at the state police crime lab. 

Additional details on the crash, including whether or not charges are filed in connection with the crash, were not available at press time this morning.

Copyright © 2009 The Daily Iberian

Comments

    TerribleAccident wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:53 PM:

    " This was just a terrible accident. Everyone is saying they buckle up all the time, but I bet if pressed you could not say 100% of the time. I am 45 years old and you should have seen what car seats were like at that time ! The grandmother did not mean for this to happen, and I dont think she should "pay" in any way as one person commented. I am sure her grief & knowing what she did will eat her up for the rest of her life. "

    lacey wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:14 PM:

    " well 2 weeks ago i got stopped and my 5 year old son was in the back seat of my van seat belted well i got a ticket and was told they have to be in a CARSEAT till they are 4 or 45 pounds and a BOOSTER from 4 or 45 pounds till they are 6 so i called the sheriffs office to find out the real laws and she was even getting confused reading it it goes by weight and/or age "

    lacey wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:11 PM:

    " about a year ago i was stopped at a check point and my 5 year old was seat belted in the front seat they let me through no problem on the way back through the check point about 20 minutes later the other officer wanted to give me a ticket instead gave me a warning and explained the law...he said she DOES NOT have to be in a car seat or booster but does have to be in the BACK SEAT because because of the airbag ect will continue "

    Maryj337 wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:59 PM:

    " This is a good thread, (Though I don't believe in slamming people over the internet.) Let's just say that this whole incident has put this issue out there, and thank God for that.Yesterday, I was in the drive-thru at Taco Bell and saw a little baby head "bopping" up and down in the front seat. Wouldn't you know that it was probably a six month-old baby, in her mother's lap behind the steering wheel! Great! If I had known that you can call the cops on these kind of idiot's,I would have in a heartbeat! I will now! "

    To Fact too ality wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:39 PM:

    " Sounds like Fact too ality and Lis might be the same person. lol Maybe even Deputies Dad? Everyone one of them are misinformed. "

    Fact too ality wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:00 PM:

    " What is it with the people who have something against Lis. He/she is extremely informed in what he/she chooses to comment on. Those of you who are against he/she really should sit back and take a lessons.

    Ignorant is something that the rest of you are. Who are you to tell this person to excuse themself from this forum.

    Do you realize what you sound like? Let me tell you, you sound like a 4 year old arguing a point. Childish is what you are to be called. "

    Dear Lis wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:18 AM:

    " You have no idea what you are talking about. Susan, the Grandmother, was in intensive care at Abbeville General before, during AND after the funeral. She is now in the hospital!

    YOU should be ashamed of yourself. Keep your nose out of something you obviously know NOTHING about!!

    Have ANY of you stopped to think that this was an ACCIDENT and it must be heartbreaking for this little girl to look down and see all of you bashing her much beloved Grandmother and hurting her Mother and Father with these vicious attacks. "

    Lis wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:22 PM:

    " Dear FYI,
    The grandmother was released from the hospital and taken straight to jail and was not in attendance at the funeral. "

    to Lis wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:09 PM:

    " You ma'am are not only ignorant of the facts, but also of this family. Do the child and the parents a favor and excuse yourself from this particular forum. You are doing a disservice to the child and the mourning family. "

    To Lis wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:34 AM:

    " FYI, the grandmother was not in jail for the funeral, she was in the hospital because she was also neglegent when it came to buckling herself up so she was ejected from the vehicle. "

    Lis wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:08 PM:

    " This is to An Angel:

    My comments are true. The good always have to suffer for the bad. The grandmother was wrong in where she allowed that precious child to be seated. And it served her right to be in jail instead of at that little angels funeral.

    The parents of that child have enough to deal with (loosing their child) than to have to see her "grieving".

    When you truely love a child that is not the type of "mistake" you make! "

    Mom to 1 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:48 PM:

    " Forward facing children should ride in a 5 point harness until they are mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat at all times. Most children do not have the self control to do this until they are 5 to 6 years old.

    There are many 5 point harness seats on the market with weight limits of 50, 65, and 80 pounds depending on the model that would allow them to be harnessed until they can safely use a booster seat. "

    Mom of 1 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:43 PM:

    " My information is accurate, but a 100 word limit limits the amount of information that can be given.

    Rearfacing to the limit of the seat (33 to 35 pounds for most convertible seats) is recommended by the AAP. State laws have not caught up to this recommendation.

    My 4 year old still rides rearfacing, because it is safer, and he is still under 33 pounds.

    http://kidsincars.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-european-research-children-should.html
    http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html
    http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx "

    Mom of 3 wrote on Nov 1, 2008 5:31 PM:

    " Mom of 1: your information is not completely accurate. The La State Police website has guide lines for child safety restraint. A child only needs to be rear facing until age 1 and 20 lbs. And they should move to a booster when their shoulders are above the top strap, about 40 lbs. My average size 5 year old is way to big for a 5 point harness. It is just as important that the child is in the correct type of seat. "

    Mom of 1 wrote on Nov 1, 2008 1:37 PM:

    " What a sensless tragedy. My heart goes out the the family. Hopefully they and others have learned a lesson from this.

    Babies and Toddlers should be properly restrained rearfacing until they reach the weight limit of their convertible seat. (33 to 35 pounds.)

    They should remain in a 5 point harness until 5 or 6 years old. And then they should be properly restrained in a booster seat until they are 4' 9" tall.

    Seatbelts alone are for adults. They were not made to fit children.

    Seatbelt syndrome kills. http://www.chop.edu/traumalink/download/2004/pcps_cpsreport.pdf "

    A reader wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:29 AM:

    " Such a tradegy. This grandmother will live her life wishing she had died instead. That is her life sentence! "

    To Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:57 AM:

    " The Daily Iberian is wrong. Katelyn was restrained but not properly restrained. This according to the State Police that came to the hospital and eye witnesses. The Daily Advertiser got it right. The Daily Iberian should change State Poilce spokes person to the one who works with The Daily Advertiser. They are better and more accurately informed. "

    Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:53 AM:

    " You DO NOT know what you are talkin about. YOU or YOUR SON was not there initially. Katelyn WAS strapped in. People are telling you over and over and you just won't listen!

    It is time you apologize and keep your ignorant comments to yourself! "

    tsf wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:22 PM:

    " I am a mother of a 4yr old & 2yr old. I would never let my children go with someone who does not know my rules about carseats. I think that more ads should be on all types of media to inform the misinformed of the danger of vehicles & children under 12. My children sometimes ask why they have to be in their carseats. I tell them that it isfor their safety in case I am in an accident. God bless all involved, but a slap on the wrist will not sink into the minds of others. "

    Christian wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:09 PM:

    " Only God can judge ms hebert, Deputys son needs to get it right cause I was on the scene and she was restrained but in the front seat. My heart goes out to the mother of this precious child, what people don't know is that the 4 year olds 2 year old sister was in the back seat belted properly. God and the State Police will make Ms Hebert pay. "

    family friend wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:02 PM:

    " how about all of you just let my comment be the last one. I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but this is none of yall business to be arguing about. We appreciate the support from those of you who are actually worrying about how we're handling this. For the rest of you, please find something better to do than sit around and argue about what happened to this little girl that we all love so much. We are heartbroken, and here ya'll are talking about it like it's a debate. "

    B.Bean wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:00 PM:

    " I think this grandmother made a terible mistake, that anyone could have made, she is suffering more than you know why do we need to make it worse nothing will bring that baby back "

    An Angel wrote on Oct 28, 2008 4:07 PM:

    " Lis you are a horrible person saying that about that grandmother.All of you that are saying horrible things need to keep your mean thoughts to yourselves and be blessed and thankful it is not you that is dealing with this terrible situation.I am sure there are quite a few of you that do not practice the safety rules.Who are you to say all of this? I think it is disgraceful and not the christian thing to do. Instead of complaining and being so mean & ugly say a prayer that this won't happened to another child. "

    TD wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:56 PM:

    " I am very sorry to hear about this accident. I have been knowing the family for a long long long time. Anyone in there right mind would of never put a child in the front seat that young. Seat belted are not. An Adult knows the danger. She might be hurting but what about the mom of the daugther that is feeling the lost of a child that she could not be there to protect. The grandma should of known better. Accident happen yes but this could of been prevented.
    This is a sad situation. "

    Amy M. wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:23 PM:

    " I was there. I'm the one mommy of 2 is talking about. The little girl was restrained. She wasn't properly restrained. Can't you people just say how sorry you are for the family and leave it at that. If you weren't there keep your mouth shut. I didn't even know them and i am still grieving for this child and the family, so I know they are beyond hurting. Please have some compassion for them and find it in your hearts to voice your opinion someplace that the family won't read it. "

    someone who knows wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:48 PM:

    " Yes, this grandmother may be grieving but what about the poor mother of this child who has constantly urged the father and his mother to properly restrain her child. Mrs. Hebert will have to live with this the rest of her life and pay the consequences if necessary.Just like the poor mother will have to live the rest of her life knowing her baby died because of a foolish decision made by someone who is supposed to protect her grandchild in any way possible!!! "

    A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:27 PM:

    " dont throw stones: How many MORE facts do you need? The child was NOT strapped in. The child was ejected in the accident. The child is dead.

    That pretty much covers the FACTS, lets demand some personal responsibility by the so-called ADULTS in this situation, and lets place the blame squarely where it belongs, on the adult that wasn't responsible enough to strap that poor child in...

    Is that enough FACTS for you? "

    dont throw stones wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:07 PM:

    " I can understand how some people may feel about this situation, however we were not there and do not have all of the facts. For all who are leaving negative comments please remember scripture. "He who is without sin cast the first stone." While this incident may be heartning, I know that God has a plan for this little girl. May GOD bless her and her family. And may GOD bless all who read this comment. "

    mommy also wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:06 PM:

    " I agree w/ mommy of 2, this is where the person allowing these comments should actually have a little respect. God alone will judge in the end, but by any means, she does have to liev with it alone, and seeing things like this isn't going to help. We were not there, it wasn't meant for our eyes, and comments aren't our place either. May God be with the family "

    svincent pt. 1 wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:52 PM:

    " This woman has NEVER been in trouble before. She has raised 3 wonderful children and helped raise her numerous grandchildren. She is an extremely loving and beautiful person. She is grieving beyond words right now.

    She does not deserve prison. She is in her own prison RIGHT NOW and will be there for the rest of her life. Probation and community service, possibly in an seat belt education course, is the most humane outcome for this horrible situation.

    I ask that you keep all of the family in your prayers. "

    svincent pt 2 wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:50 PM:

    " svincent wrote:

    I understand that wrong was done but you need to know the details before passing judgement. I just wanted to say that before I state what I am about to state.

    The child WAS restrained. She WAS NOT PROPERLY restrained. There is a difference. The child had the waist belt on but not the shoulder stap. She was in the front seat. The air bag is a very very dangerous object to a small child in a wreck. This ACCIDENT was not malicious in any way, shape or form. "

    mommy of 2 wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:35 AM:

    " My best friend was on the scene of this accident and told me they had unbuckled the childs seat belt when they opened the passenger side door because it had tightened around the little girls waist. This was prior to police or ambulance arriving. Granted the child should have been in nothing less than a booster seat in the back seat, but this grandmother has to live with the fact that is responsible for her grand-daughters death. Be human people. I just hope she doesn't see the horrible things you are writing. "

    jess wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:27 AM:

    " God Bless & be with this family. Everyone else needs to learn, seatbelts are there for a reason, it's not the child's responsibility, it's your to teach and show them the right example. Its more likely for you to die from not wearing! "

    To the Daily Iberian wrote on Oct 28, 2008 5:58 AM:

    " THIS is when the "comment thread" is inappropriate - have some respect for the family.

    God bless all of those who are involved in this terrible accident. God has another angel. "

    parent at elc wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:46 PM:

    " my heart and blessing goes out to the Hebert family.She will surely be miss by all at E.LC. "

    seat belt advocate wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:00 PM:

    " When are people going to learn? As a mother and teacher I am disgusted by this. Everyday I see kids get in cars and no one bothers to buckle them in. I'm glad the grandmother lived. She deserves to suffer with the guilt of causing her own grandchild to die. Shame on her and all those like her! "

    Disgusted Mommy wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:00 PM:

    " I dont care if she is mourning right now or not. SHAME ON YOU!!! I have a 4 year & she still uses a carseat & rides in the backseat!! It is not only b/c it makes me feel safe that is she protected but it is the law. Children rely on us to keep them safe & this is something this grandmother didnt do. This is happening too often. I hope this grandmother pays!!!!!!! "

    Lis wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:23 PM:

    " My deepest sympathy goes out to the parent(s) of the child.

    It is unfortunate that is was not Ms. Hebert that passed away instead of this innocent child. This is an example of a grandmother who does not love her grandchild.

    Ms. Hebert may you be blessed with the proper charges for this crime and may you be haunted for life for your neglect.

    You were trusted with life's most precious gift and you disregarded that child's life. Shame on you. One day you will have to face your maker! "

    rkms101 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:20 PM:

    " "was riding in the front passenger seat and also not restrained"......when will we learn??? It disgusts me that people can be so neglectful to their own children, children God gave to them to care for. I see it almost everyday to and from work! (i also call the cops everytime) This is terrible and I pray that people will start being more responsible for their childrens well-being. "

    donnie girl wrote on Oct 27, 2008 2:56 PM:

    " My heart goes out to all that are affected by this tragedy. I wish people would realize that seatbelts save lives! All of this heartache could be so different if the child had been restrained. "

    parent wrote on Oct 27, 2008 2:43 PM:

    " This is why I preach so hard to my husband about seat belts. He can't take my son anywhere because he could care less about seat belts. The law needs to crack down even harder on people who don't strap their kids down. NO exceptions. There is just no excuse. "

    A Deputies Dad wrote on Oct 27, 2008 2:36 PM:

    " Her 4-year-old granddaughter, who was riding in the front passenger seat and also not restrained,
    *********************
    Poor child NEVER had a chance... WHERE are the *parental* responsibility??

    Yeah, I know, she was the grandmother, but c'mon, the child wasn't in a child seat?? And properly strapped in??

    God has a new angel and Louisiana has another sad case on it's hands. "

    Lynn wrote on Oct 27, 2008 2:27 PM:

    " When will people learn to BUCKLE KIDS UP!!!!!!!!! If you're too stupid to wear a seat belt, that's one thing, but to not buckle up a child is just plain wrong!!! This is so heartwrenching!! "

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