Lafayette Mourns Loss of Jasmine Lasalle, 34, Killed in University Avenue Hit-and-Run

Lafayette Mourns Loss of Jasmine Lasalle, 34, Killed in University Avenue Hit-and-Run

LAFAYETTE, La. — A deep sense of grief hangs over the city of Lafayette following the tragic death of 34-year-old Jasmine Lasalle, who was killed Wednesday night, September 17, 2025, in a hit-and-run incident on University Avenue. The collision has left her family, friends, and the wider community in mourning — and seeking answers.

According to the Lafayette Police Department, Lasalle was walking across University Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Officers and first responders were called to the area shortly after the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m., where they found Lasalle critically injured.

Despite immediate efforts by emergency medical personnel, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sudden passing has devastated those who knew her, describing her as a kind-hearted and spirited woman whose presence lit up every room she entered.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

The search for the driver was swift. By early Thursday morning, Lafayette Police confirmed they had located the vehicle believed to be involved in the hit-and-run. Through investigative efforts, officers identified the alleged driver as 53-year-old Travis Guillot of Arnaudville, Louisiana.

Guillot was taken into custody without incident and has been booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail. He is facing charges related to felony hit-and-run resulting in death, and authorities say additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.

“Leaving the scene of a crash, especially one involving a fatality, is not just illegal — it’s inhumane,” said a Lafayette Police spokesperson. “Thanks to quick action by our officers and community tips, we were able to bring a suspect into custody within hours.”

Who Was Jasmine Lasalle?

Jasmine Lasalle was more than just a name in a tragic headline. She was a daughter, sister, friend, and mother figure to many. Known for her vibrant spirit, contagious laugh, and caring nature, Jasmine left an impact on everyone she met.

Friends say she had a special way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether she was volunteering in her community, offering a shoulder to cry on, or simply sharing a joke to brighten someone’s day, Jasmine made the world around her better.

“She was the type of person who would give you her last dollar,” said longtime friend Michelle Thibodeaux. “She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived for the people she cared about.”

Jasmine was also a familiar face in several local community organizations and often attended neighborhood events and church functions. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with hundreds posting condolences, memories, and tributes to a life taken far too soon.

A Dangerous Stretch of Road

University Avenue, where the fatal collision occurred, has long been regarded as one of Lafayette’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians. Community members have raised concerns in recent years about insufficient lighting, speeding vehicles, and a lack of crosswalks in key areas.

In the wake of Lasalle’s death, local advocates are renewing calls for improved pedestrian safety infrastructure.

“This didn’t have to happen,” said one community activist. “We’ve been asking for changes to University Avenue for years. How many more people have to die before something is done?”

City officials have yet to release a formal statement, but conversations around revisiting traffic safety on the corridor are reportedly underway.

Investigation Ongoing

The Lafayette Police Department’s Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash. Investigators have not yet released details on what may have contributed to Guillot striking Lasalle, including whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information is encouraged to contact the Lafayette Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS.

Honoring Jasmine’s Life

Family and friends are in the early stages of planning a vigil to honor Jasmine Lasalle’s life, likely to be held at the site of the crash. Community members will gather to light candles, share memories, and call for justice and change.

Her family has asked for privacy as they process the unimaginable loss, but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community.

“We just want everyone to know how much Jasmine was loved,” said a family spokesperson. “She didn’t deserve this. She had so much more life to live.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Conclusion

The death of Jasmine Lasalle is more than a statistic — it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered by reckless decisions and unsafe road conditions. As Lafayette grieves, many are also uniting to ensure that Jasmine’s death sparks a long-overdue conversation about pedestrian safety, responsibility, and justice.

While her physical presence is gone, her spirit and memory will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.