Two mayoral races in Louisiana have been rescheduled due to the unexpected deaths of candidates in the last three days.
James Carter, a Robeline/Natchitoches mayoral candidate, died early Monday morning. Jeremy Alford of LaPoliticsNow reported the death:
On Tuesday afternoon, incumbent Melville Mayor Velma D. Hendrix, 84, died in an automobile accident, according to state police.
The two-vehicle accident occurred at about 2 p.m. in Port Barre, Louisiana.
“The preliminary investigation revealed a 2015 Ram 2500 pickup, driven by Michael Cook of Columbia, LA., was traveling south of LA 741. At the same time, a 2008 Acura RDX was traveling west on US 190,” the Louisiana State Police said in a statement.
The statement added: “As the Acura approached the intersection, Cook failed to yield as he attempted to cross over both westbound lanes of US 190. The front of the Ram struck the passenger side of the Acura in the westbound lane of travel.”
Hendrix was in the back seat of her vehicle when the accident occurred. She was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt. She died of her injuries after being taken to a local hospital.
According to The Daily Wire, the driver and three other passengers in the vehicle suffered injuries but survived. The driver was “reportedly cited for not wearing a seatbelt and not yielding at a stop sign. A breath sample indicated no signs of alcohol or impairment.”
The accident remains under investigation.
St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard shared the following with the Acadiana Advocate:
“Speaking to the people in that area, they’re just shocked. It’s tragic. The community is a small community and they’re mourning the loss of their mayor.”
Hendrix was first elected to office in 2018. She previously served as a town alderman and as an educator for many years.
Following reports of Hendrix’s death, the polls were closed. A special election is expected to be held on Dec. 10.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, Charles Jagneaux, told the Acadiana Advocate that if a new candidate is not identified to take Hendrix’s place, the candidate who was leading in polling on election day, Sheila “Sam” Londerno, will be declared the winner.
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