Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash today shortly after 3:00 pm on Interstate 10 westbound, west of Grosse Tete. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Toyota Sequoia, being driven by Steven Key (W/M, age 39) of Katy, TX, was traveling east on Interstate 10 when it crossed the median into the westbound lanes as it slid sideways and was struck on its passenger side by an 18-wheeler that was traveling west. The 1999 Western Star tractor, being driven by Jeffery Vermeer (W/M, age 53) of Griffin, GA, pushed the SUV approximately 200 feet before coming to rest.

Key had three passengers in the vehicle with him when the crash occurred. His front seat passenger, Sherry Key (W/F, age 36) of Katy, TX, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital by Acadian Ambulance. Emma Key (W/F, age was in the rear passenger side seat when the crash occurred and died as a result of her injuries in the crash. Steven Key and the fourth occupant, another minor child who was in the rear driver’s side seat, both sustained minor injuries. Vermeer was not injured in the crash.

Alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor in the crash. The roadways were wet at the time of the crash, and Troopers continue to investigate the cause. Key voluntarily submitted a blood sample to Troopers for chemical analysis to be performed at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Vermeer voluntarily submitted a breath sample to the Intoxilyzer 5000, which indicated that he had no detectable alcohol in his system. All the occupants involved were properly restrained when the crash occurred. Troopers were able to clear the Interstate and reopen it to traffic at approximately 6:30 pm.

TFC Russell G. Graham II
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop A