Heartbreak in Iberia Parish: Teen Killed by Impaired Driver in Preventable Head-On Crash

Heartbreak in Iberia Parish: Teen Killed by Impaired Driver in Preventable Head-On Crash

IBERIA PARISH, La. — A community has been left devastated following a tragic and preventable collision late Thursday night that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Garylon Brown of Jeanerette. The crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 85, just east of Burleigh Road, shortly after 11:00 p.m. on November 13, 2025, prompting an emergency response from Louisiana State Police Troop I.

According to the official preliminary investigation, a 2007 Jeep Liberty driven by 29-year-old Cristian Garcia of New Iberia was traveling westbound on the highway at the time of the collision. A 2016 Ford Fusion, traveling eastbound, attempted evasive action just before the vehicles collided head-on. Investigators are still working to determine what led to Garcia entering the opposite lane, but the sequence of events left no time or space to prevent disaster.

Inside the Ford Fusion, Garylon Brown — a beloved young man with his entire future ahead of him — was seated in the front passenger seat. Despite life-saving efforts, Brown sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Garcia and the Ford’s driver suffered minor injuries in the impact. Authorities are still assessing whether seat restraints were properly used by all involved.

What followed only deepened the heartbreak and anger felt by the community.

While speaking with Garcia during the on-scene investigation, troopers observed clear signs of impairment. Garcia was arrested and transported for testing, where a breath sample revealed a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit. He was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on the following charges:

• Driving While Intoxicated – 1st Offense (LA RS 14:98)

• Driving Without a License (LA RS 32:52)

• No Insurance (LA RS 32:865)

Louisiana State Police have confirmed that additional charges may be forthcoming, as the case remains active and under thorough review.

A Preventable Loss

For the troopers who responded to the scene and for the heartbroken family of Garylon Brown, this tragedy underscores a painful truth: this did not have to happen.

Louisiana State Police reiterated a strong and urgent message in the wake of the crash:

“Far too often, Troopers see the tragic results of preventable crashes. Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or both, is dangerous and can have deadly consequences.”

They are reminding drivers and passengers alike to:

• Plan ahead before consuming alcohol

• Never drive or ride with someone impaired

• Always wear seatbelts

• Stay alert and focused on the road

Every choice behind the wheel carries consequences — and in this instance, the irresponsible actions of one individual robbed an 18-year-old of his life and altered countless others forever.

Honoring Garylon

Garylon Brown was more than the circumstances of his passing. He was a son, a friend, a young man with dreams, hope, and promise that will now remain unfulfilled. His absence will be felt not only today but in all the years he should have been here to live, grow, and make his mark on the world.

As the investigation moves forward and the legal process unfolds, the community stands united in grief — and in a call for accountability and change, so no other family has to endure a loss like this.

🕊️ May Garylon Brown be remembered with love, and may this tragedy serve as a reminder that every decision on the road matters. Lives depend on it.