🕊️ In Loving Memory of Cherita Washington, Chase Washington, and Joseph Prejean 🕊️
Three Lives Lost, Three Hearts Forever Remembered
With overwhelming sorrow and heavy hearts, the Lafayette community continues to mourn the devastating loss of Cherita Washington, Chase Washington, and Joseph Prejean, whose lives were tragically taken in a fatal crash early in the morning hours. What should have been a quiet start to the day became a moment of irreversible heartbreak—one that has forever changed families and left a community united in grief.
According to the Lafayette Police Department, the crash occurred around 5:13 a.m. in the 100 block of East Broussard Road at Johnston Street. Preliminary findings indicate that vehicle #1, traveling westbound at a high rate of speed, struck vehicle #2, which was stopped at a red light and preparing to turn right onto Johnston Street. The force of the impact pushed vehicle #2 into vehicle #3, which was stationary and waiting to turn left onto East Broussard Road. After the initial collisions, vehicle #1 continued through the intersection and struck a wooden electrical pole.
Tragically, three lives were lost as a result of this crash. The occupants of vehicle #2 were identified as Cherita Washington, 36, and Chase Washington, 17, both of Duson. Also lost was Joseph Prejean, 21, of Lafayette, the driver of vehicle #1, who later succumbed to his injuries. A fourth individual, the occupant of vehicle #3, sustained minor to moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Cherita Washington will be remembered as a woman of strength, love, and compassion—a soul whose care for others was evident in every role she played. Her life was rooted in family, and her presence brought comfort and warmth to those who knew her.
Chase Washington, only 17 years old, was a young life full of promise, hope, and dreams still unfolding. His smile, youth, and potential will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Gone far too soon, Chase’s light will never fade.
Joseph Prejean, 21, leaves behind memories of a young man at the beginning of his journey—still discovering his path, still shaping his future. His life, though brief, mattered deeply, and his loss is felt throughout the Lafayette community.
As the city mourns, hearts are lifted in prayer for all families affected by this tragedy. No words can ease the pain of such loss, but the love, memories, and lives these three touched will endure beyond this moment.
May Cherita Washington, Chase Washington, and Joseph Prejean be remembered not by the tragedy of their passing, but by the love they gave, the lives they touched, and the memories that will forever hold them close.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts—forever loved, forever remembered. 🕯️💙








