Mississippi teenager killed, two injured in I-59 Sunday collision

By Erik Sanzenbach
St. Tammany News
Published on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:13 AM CDT

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A Mississippi teen was killed and two juvenile passengers in his pickup truck were seriously injured early Sunday morning, when they collided with the rear end of an 18-wheel truck at the intersection of Interstates 59 and 12 near Slidell.

According to State Police Trooper Louis Calato of Troop L, David L. Rodrigue Jr., 16, of Carriere, Miss., and his two friends were traveling south in a 2002 Toyota Tundra in the left lane on I-59 around 1:30 a.m. At the same time, a 2004 Freightliner 18-wheeler, driven by Shamsiddin Temirov, 26, of Philadelphia, Pa., was also traveling south, but in the right lane.

As the two trucks approached the intersection of I-59 and I-12, Rodrigue lost control of his truck for an unknown reason and moved into the right lane, behind the Freightliner. Rodrigue’s truck then slammed into the rear of Temirov’s truck.

Jill Smith of the St. Tammany Coroner’s Office declared Rodrigue dead on the scene from his injuries. The two passengers sustained sever injuries. One boy was taken to the University Hospital in New Orleans, and the other was transported to Northshore Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Temirov was not injured in the collision. Calato said that all four were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision.

Authorities believe that alcohol use by Rodrigue is suspected as being the cause of the accident, and blood samples from the teen have been sent to a state lab for testing. Temirov submitted to a chemical breath test that showed that he was not intoxicated, Calato said.

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Comments

10 comment(s)

free speech wrote on Jul 31, 2009 1:06 PM:

" We all make choices in life, some good, some bad. Unfortunately these kids made a bad one that cost a life and severly injured two others. At that age kids think they are invincible and nothing bad will or can happen to them. Then events like this happen. A wakeup lesson that will for the most part will go unheeded by their peers; welcome to reality. "

Shell wrote on Jul 29, 2009 4:45 AM:

" I'm also a friend and do believe what the bible say's, Jesus hold's the key's to life and death. For those that feel the boy's should have been in at that time is very pointless now. Stop wasting your energy on comment's that will not help and start praying for the mother's who just lost their precious children and for Dillion who is still fighting. They still Believe! What about your walk? Do you Believe? "

Silent Friend wrote on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 PM:

" This is a sad situation!Please know that both families are suffering the loss of their children.This could of happen to any parents..Having 4children myself I know what is like to go to bed and tell your children they are not to leave,but you can have the best kids and be the best parents & sometimes our teenagers make the wrong decisions! We can only show them the way & pray they make the right decisions. Please keep these families in your prayers, they need them! The have a long road ahead of them. "

LUVS2HUNT270 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:24 PM:

" Suggestion for "I AGREE", you better sleep with all of your car keys and have your friends parents send you their keys also. ALL children do something in their youth (including yourself I'm sure) that they are told NOT TO DO and unfortunally this one ended in tragedy. I don't know about your situation but most parents do go to sleep at night. The 13 yr old is at rest in Jesus' arms now and his 16 yr old brother is still fighting for his life in ICU and remains on life support. Please keep both families in
your prayers. "

Destin Liebel wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:03 AM:

" I grew up practically with david and i use to roam the streets just as he was doing accidents happen it is called a accident for a reason not called an on purpose i pray for them my heart goes out to them deeply "

I agree wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:00 AM:

" My prayers are with these families,I cannot begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing right now. I must agree with shadow, however. My daughter is 16 and is not allowed out beyond 11pm. If she is out later than 10pm I go pick her up, rather than have her drive home. I feel that no matter how intelligent and careful the teen is,they have no business being on the road at such a late hour. "

waldheim wrote on Jul 27, 2009 7:39 PM:

" What are teenagers doing out at 1:30 well just look around at 1:30 in the morning. I know teenagers all over the parish that are out at that time. Just because they are out doesn't mean they are doing something bad. This family is so loving and kind, I will continue to pray for the families...and also for people who choose to judge. "

angie chastant wrote on Jul 27, 2009 10:28 AM:

" AMEN nora! well said! although i don't know the deceased boys, i am a friend of one of their relatives. this family is suffering from the loss of 2 boys...i am praying for them...not judging. may they rest in Jesus' arms. "

Nora Meeks wrote on Jul 26, 2009 5:08 PM:

" shadow1459, i'm sure your judgement of their skills as parents will be hugely comforting to the parents of the (now) two boys who died as a result of this accident, as they try to cope with their grief. Obviously, you've never been a teenager, and compassion must be a foreign thing to you. For my part, I'll continue to pray for the families of the boys who died, and to pray for the recovery of the one who is still fighting to live. But thanks so much for offering up your 2 cents. Helpful, no doubt. "

shadow1459 wrote on Jul 22, 2009 4:46 PM:

" What was 3 teenages doing out at 1:30 in the morning anyway? "

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