Iberia Parish Mourns the Tragic Loss of 18-Year-Old Garylon Brown in DUI Crash

💔 Iberia Parish Mourns the Tragic Loss of 18-Year-Old Garylon Brown in DUI Crash

IBERIA PARISH, La. — A wave of grief has washed over the community following the heartbreaking death of 18-year-old Garylon Brown of Jeanerette, who was tragically struck and killed in a head-on collision on La. Highway 85, just east of Burleigh Road, late Thursday night. The crash, now believed to have been caused by a drunken driver, has left family, friends and neighbors reeling — and serves as a painful reminder of the avoidable risks of impaired driving.

The Collision

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the crash occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. on November 13 when a 2007 Jeep Liberty, driven by 29-year-old Cristian G. Garcia of New Iberia, was traveling westbound on La. 85 and collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle carrying Garylon as a passenger. 
While the eastbound driver reportedly made evasive action before the crash, the impact was severe and fatal for Garylon, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Garcia and the eastbound driver sustained minor injuries.
During the investigation, troopers observed signs of impairment by Garcia, and a breath sample revealed a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Garcia was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail for DWI (1st offense), driving without a license, and driving without insurance.

Remembering Garylon Brown

Though only 18, Garylon was remembered by those who knew him as a friend with a bright smile, a generous spirit, and promise for his future. Friends said he had big dreams and strong ties to his community in Jeanerette.

“He had so much ahead of him,” one friend said. “It’s heartbreaking to think of everything he won’t get to do.”
His loss resonates across friends, family and neighbors who describe Garylon as someone kind and dependable — the type of person you could count on for a good laugh or a helping hand.

The Impact on the Community

The tragedy has deeply unsettled the area, where friends and local residents have laid memorials near the crash site, leaving flowers, candles, and memories of a life cut far too short. Social media has been flooded with messages of sorrow, disbelief and support for Garylon’s family.
Local officials and law-enforcement agencies have also used the incident to underline the dangers of driving under the influence, especially in a region where rural highways like La. 85 often present high-speed risks and limited lighting.

“Far too often, troopers see the tragic results of preventable crashes,” the LSP said in a statement. “Impaired driving, whether from alcohol or drugs — or both — is dangerous and can have deadly consequences.”

A Call to Action and Support

In the wake of this loss, local groups are organizing drives to raise awareness about DWI prevention and to support families affected by crashes. Friends and neighbors have asked drivers to plan ahead when consuming alcohol, avoid riding with impaired drivers, and always ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
Garylon’s family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief, but have expressed gratitude for the support and compassion pouring in from the community.

A Light Gone Too Soon — Never Forgotten

While nothing can undo the pain of losing Garylon, the hope remains that his memory will serve as a reminder of both how precious life is and how critical it is to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
In remembering him — not as a statistic, but as a young man with potential, humor and heart — the community honors his legacy and vows to carry forward the love he gave.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Garylon Brown.
You were taken too soon, but your presence, your laughter and your spirit will never be forgotten.