Allen Espree, 68, of Opelousas, was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday, Jan. 29 on U.S. 190 at Interstate 49.
Espree, the former dean Opelousas' T.H. Harris Campus of the Louisiana Technical College system, was killed when the 1985 Lincoln Town Car he was driving was struck by an 18-wheeler, according to Trooper Joshua Arvie of the Louisiana State Police- Troop I, who investigated the mid-day accident.
Espree was transported by Acadian Ambulance from the scene to a local area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Espree's car was struck by a 2003 Freightliner semi, driven by Amos Thuo, 38, of Euless Texas. Espree was driving westbound on U.S. 190 in the inside lane when Thuo failed to bring the 18- wheeler to a stop at the intersection after he had exited I-49 southbound on U.S. 180.
Espree's Lincoln struck the semi's trailer. Both vehicles came to rest on US 190.
Thuo, who was not injured in the crash, was cited for failing to stop at a stop sign. Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers, and the results are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.
The crash remains under investigation, according to Trooper Stephen Hammons, public affairs officer with LSPTroop I.
Among his many activities, Espree served on the board of the Opelousas-St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce for many years.
Chamber Director Frankie Bertrand said he will be greatly missed. Also mourning Espree's loss was Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow, who had served with the former dean on several projects and committees.
Espree was named dean in 2003 and served until late last year.
"Mr. Espree was a kind, soft spoken man who had strong faith in the greater good," said Dr. Phyllis Dupuis, Region 4 regional director with LTC. Before coming to T.H. Harris, Espree was executive dean of the Division of Business and Public Service at El Centro College in Dallas. He had also served in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
A wake will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 1730 Lawrence St., Opelousas. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Mohorn Baptist Church in Plaisance. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.