The Ascension Parish community is mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Joshua Dunaway, 40, a dedicated law enforcement officer whose life was cut short in a motorcycle crash on Friday night.
Joshua Dunaway Prairieville LA Obituary
Dunaway, a respected member of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, passed away at the scene after a collision on LA 44, leaving family, friends, and colleagues devastated by the sudden and heartbreaking news.
According to Louisiana State Police, the accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. in Ascension Parish. Investigators report that Dunaway was traveling north on his 2024 Suzuki motorcycle when he struck the rear of a 2024 GMC Sierra. The GMC had just turned right from Lee Drive onto LA 44.
The impact caused severe injuries, and despite emergency response efforts, Dunaway was pronounced dead at the scene. State police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine contributing factors and ensure a thorough understanding of the incident.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their colleague, emphasizing not only Dunaway’s dedication as a deputy but also his role as a friend, teammate, and father.
“Joshua was more than a coworker to many of us; he was a friend, a teammate, and a loving father who cared deeply for his family. His loss is felt across our entire agency,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
They also asked the public to keep Dunaway’s family, friends, and fellow deputies in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Deputy Dunaway was off duty at the time of the crash, riding his personal motorcycle.
While he was not on assignment, his tragic death underscores the unpredictability of life and the dangers that can arise even in ordinary moments. Fellow officers describe him as a dedicated professional whose commitment to public safety, camaraderie, and community service was exemplary.
He was known not only for his skills as a law enforcement officer but also for his kind and approachable nature, always willing to support his colleagues and lend a helping hand whenever needed.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into the crash is ongoing. Authorities are reviewing witness statements, traffic patterns, and other evidence from the scene to fully understand how the collision occurred.
In the meantime, the agency is focusing on supporting Dunaway’s family and coworkers as they navigate the emotional impact of his passing. Funeral arrangements for Deputy Dunaway have not yet been finalized, but the sheriff’s office has promised to share details with the public once they are available, allowing the community to pay tribute to a fallen officer who served with honor.
