On March 31, 2026, 16-year-old baseball player and Alexandria Senior High School student Collin Lacaze died in a hit-and-run accident, putting the Alexandria community in grief.
Collin and a 16-year-old female acquaintance were standing on Eddie Williams Avenue’s right shoulder near the Tulane Avenue intersection when the incident occurred, according to Alexandria police. A southbound automobile struck both children on the shoulder before driving away.
Both victims were taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center by emergency personnel, where Collin passed away from his wounds. According to the most recent reports, his companion survived but is still in critical condition. There was no sign that the teenagers were on the road, according to police, who characterized the collision as abrupt and brutal. An urgent citywide search was launched when the hit-and-run motorist failed to stop to provide assistance.
Shortly after the event, Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion spoke to the public, highlighting the significant influence Collin’s passing had on the neighborhood. He asked locals to aid detectives by providing any information—no matter how minor—that would lead to the driver’s identity. The detective branch of the police has been examining security footage from surrounding homes and businesses along Eddie Williams Avenue nonstop.
Authorities declared that a 45-year-old suspect had been identified and placed under arrest as the investigation went on. According to court documents, the suspect is being charged in connection with Collin’s death, and bail was set at $300,000. Since the investigation is still open and the evidence is still being reviewed, police have not disclosed any further information regarding the suspect’s words or the car in question.
Collin was a well-liked student and a committed athlete at Alexandria Senior High, which has been devastated by his passing. He has been characterized as diligent, courteous, and enthusiastic about baseball by his teammates, classmates, and instructors. As students deal with the unexpected death of a young man who was well liked both on and off the field, the school has provided grief counselors.
The Alexandria Police Detective Division or Crime Stoppers of CenLa, where a cash reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction, have been urged to receive anonymous reports from people of the community. Alexandrians are united in their demand for justice for Collin Lacaze and healing for the friend who survived the collision as the city continues to grieve.