On November 30, 2025, the community of St. Gabriel and Iberville Parish was struck by tragedy with the passing of lifelong resident Wardell Valentine. Wardell died in a single-vehicle accident that evening on Highway 74 near the Sunshine Bridge.
According to Louisiana State Police, his pickup truck left the roadway and struck a tree shortly after 6 p.m. First responders arrived quickly, but Wardell was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, with authorities examining factors including speed, road conditions, and pending toxicology results.
Wardell was a true son of St. Gabriel, known to all for his warm smile and generous spirit. He worked for decades in the local petrochemical plants, a job he approached with dedication and a strong work ethic. Yet he always made time for what mattered most: his family, fishing on the bayou, and the Sunday dinners that often turned into neighborhood gatherings.
He had a big, easy laugh and a gift for making everyone feel like family. Whether he was grilling in his backyard, coaching little league, or simply sitting on his porch waving to friends, Wardell had a way of making the community feel connected and cared for. His sudden absence has left a deep and palpable silence in the neighborhood he helped define.
Family was the center of Wardell’s world. He is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, mother, siblings, and a wide extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who all knew him affectionately as “Uncle Wardell.” His home was the heart of every celebration—the place where holidays, birthdays, and any reason to come together were joyfully observed.
St. Gabriel has lost a cherished member far too soon. Wardell Valentine lived with a heart full of love, hands always ready to help, and a smile that brightened the entire parish.
Funeral arrangements will be shared by his family in the coming days. Until then, the community holds his loved ones close in prayer and keeps his memory alive.
Rest easy, Wardell. The bayou won’t be the same without you.