Grandparents of Bourbon Street attack victim killed in Gretna crash, driver faces homicide charges

GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — Officers with the Gretna Police Department are investigating a crash that left two people dead on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Gretna police reported that the crash happened in the 700 block of Fourth Street around 6:40 p.m.

According to the police department, an initial investigation showed that 33-year-old Stephan Juarez was allegedly speeding while heading east on Fourth Street when he crossed the center line and hit a GMC Yukon driving west and a parked Honda.

Gretna police said Juarez then continued driving east in the westbound lane when he hit a parked Volvo.

“It was so loud. People from two blocks to the right and one block to the left came running and, the poor girl who was driving, her scream was just. You never forget that scream. It was just horrible,” said Wendy Beaumont.

The driver of the Volvo and the front-seat passenger had exited the car before the crash, and a passenger in the back seat was inside the car at the time of the crash.

Investigators said the passenger who had exited the car was hit by Juarez.

Both passengers of the Volvo were taken to a hospital, where they later died. The driver of the Volvo was not hit.

Police said the driver of the Yukon and two passengers suffered minor injuries, and the Honda was unoccupied.

The coroner has identified the victims as 76-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux and 73-year-old Victoria Gauthreaux.

Friends have identified the victims as the grandparents of Hubert Gauthreaux, a victim of the New Year’s Bourbon Street attack.

“I’ve seen wrecks over the years and stuff, but it was, it was just so close to home right here. You know. Right. Streets were full of people with everything like he was already on the ground you could tell it was bad,” said Michael Beaumont.

Many passed by the scene to pay their respects, calling it a tragedy they wish could be undone.

“I heard about the incident last night. I was shocked and appalled, as you might imagine. One of the victims, in this tragic accident, was my secretary at work. I had known her for a long time. Pay my respects to the couple,” said a bystander.

“On the West Bank, we are a small community. If I don’t know you, I know someone who knows you,” said Wendy Beaumont.

“Yeah, that was. We found out how much walking these people take. Yeah. It’s terrible,” said Michael Beaumont.

Juarez was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and faces two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless operation, DWI second offense, suspended driver’s license, no seatbelt and possession of marijuana.

The City of Gretna Mayor and city council posted the following statement to social media:

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Hubert Sr. and Victoria Gauthreaux, who were taken from us in Saturday night’s devastating crash in downtown Gretna.

This heartbreaking loss is made even more painful as they were the grandparents of 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux III, a victim of the Bourbon Street terror attack—one tragedy compounded by another. In times like these, we must come together to support their loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable grief. Our entire Gretna community stands with the Gauthreaux family.

Please keep their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. May Hubert Sr. and Victoria rest in peace.
City of Gretna Mayor and City Council

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