Three killed in plane crash in Lafayette Parish

LAFAYETTE PARISH — Tragedy struck late Tuesday morning when a small twin-engine aircraft crashed in an open field near Gloria Switch Road and LA 93 in Lafayette Parish.

According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just after 11:00 a.m. when the aircraft was seen losing altitude, circling, and then crashing. Deputies and first responders from multiple agencies quickly arrived on scene.

Authorities confirmed the aircraft to be a Beechcraft Baron, a twin-engine airplane. All three occupants aboard were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Following family notifications, officials identified the victims as:

• Bruce Verduyn, 58, of The Woodlands, Texas

• Lydia Laws, 46, of Spring, Texas

• Justin Ramsey, 42, of The Woodlands, Texas

Deputies are currently securing the crash site and assisting investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who will lead the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Officials have not yet released details on the aircraft’s flight path, departure location, or intended destination. The sheriff’s office stated that no additional information will be released at this time as the investigation remains active.

Residents near the crash area, located by the Family Dollar roundabout off LA 93, reported hearing sirens and heavy emergency response shortly after the incident. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.