DA to dismiss Texas teen's ticket in fatal wreck

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Jerry Jones will dismiss the ticket issued to the Texas teenage driver whose family was killed in a tragic accident Wednesday night.

The 16-year-old was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe on I-20 near Calhoun when he admits he fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle.

Police say the vehicle hit the median, the driver over corrected causing the vehicle to flip, ejecting six of its occupants. Five of those ejected were pronounced dead on the scene.

"This young man has been punished enough," Jones said. "There is no need to add to his pain. The ticket will be dismissed."

The family of eight people were a blended family traveling to Disney World for a Thanksgiving vacation.

Two adults, Michael and Trudi Hardman of Terrell, Texas, and three children, Dakota Watson, 15, Kaci Hardman, 4, and Adam Hardman, 7. were killed. The wreck happened about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Louisiana State Police issued the driver a citation for careless operation in accordance with policy.

No further citations or charges will be issued.

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