Gretna Police Arrest Man After Deadly Drunk Driving Crash

The community of Gretna, Louisiana, is reeling from the tragic and heart-wrenching deaths of Hubert Gauthreaux Sr. and his beloved wife, Victoria Gauthreaux, both of whom lost their lives in a catastrophic drunk-driving crash on the evening of Saturday, February 15, 2025. Their untimely deaths have left an entire community in mourning as they remember these two cherished individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The devastating incident has not only taken the lives of two innocent people but has also compounded the heartbreak for their family, who are already dealing with profound grief.

The Tragic Events Leading to the Death of Hubert Gauthreaux Sr. and Victoria Gauthreaux

The fatal crash occurred around 6:40 p.m. on the evening of February 15, 2025, on the 700 block of Fourth Street in Gretna, Louisiana. The Gauthreauxs were among the victims involved in this high-speed collision, which police later determined was caused by a reckless and intoxicated driver. According to Gretna police, the suspect, Stephan Juarez, a 33-year-old man, was driving eastbound on Fourth Street at an alarming speed. As he navigated the road, Juarez crossed the center line, veering into oncoming traffic and striking several vehicles, including the one that Hubert and Victoria were in. The Gauthreauxs were both critically injured in the crash.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders to save them, Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The loss of both individuals in such a sudden and violent manner has left their family members and the Gretna community in complete shock. The police report reveals that Juarez, who also sustained minor injuries in the crash, was immediately transported to Ochsner Hospital Westbank for treatment.

Once released from the hospital, Juarez was taken into police custody and subsequently charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless operation of a vehicle, driving while intoxicated (DWI) on his second offense, driving with a suspended driver’s license, failure to wear a seatbelt, and possession of marijuana. These charges, as well as the actions leading to the deaths of Hubert and Victoria, have caused a wave of anger and disbelief among the Gauthreaux family, their friends, and the people of Gretna who are still processing this overwhelming tragedy.

A Community in Mourning: The Impact of the Gauthreauxs’ Death

The tragic deaths of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux have affected not only their immediate family members but also the greater Gretna community, where they were well-known and well-liked. The Gauthreauxs’ loss has left a significant void in the hearts of their loved ones, as well as among their neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. For many, Hubert and Victoria represented the epitome of kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and to offer support during times of hardship.

Hubert Gauthreaux Sr. was a respected figure in the Gretna community, known for his dedication to his family and his active involvement in local events. As a father and grandfather, Hubert’s unwavering love and devotion to his loved ones were evident to all who knew him. His commitment to being a caring patriarch and a reliable source of support made him a beloved figure to many in the community.

Victoria Gauthreaux, his wife, was equally admired for her compassion and warm-heartedness. As a mother and grandmother, Victoria dedicated herself to nurturing her family and providing a safe and loving environment for those around her. The Gauthreauxs were a deeply connected couple, who, through their actions and personalities, left a lasting imprint on those whose lives they touched. Their tragic passing has left an entire neighborhood searching for solace amidst their collective grief.

A Devastating Additional Layer of Tragedy: The Connection to Hubert Gauthreaux III

The pain of losing Hubert and Victoria is made even more excruciating by the fact that their family has already suffered a profound loss in the past. Their grandson, 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux III, was a victim of the infamous Bourbon Street terror attack that took place just months prior to this crash. Hubert III, known to his family as “Little Hubie,” was caught in the chaos that ensued when gunfire erupted in one of the most crowded areas of New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street. Tragically, Hubert III’s life was taken in that senseless act of violence, leaving his grandparents heartbroken and still reeling from the loss.

To now lose both Hubert and Victoria in such a traumatic and violent incident has compounded the grief experienced by their surviving family members. The Gauthreaux family is in the midst of unimaginable sorrow, as the deaths of two beloved family members have reopened old wounds that had yet to fully heal. Their hearts now bear the weight of a double tragedy, both of which occurred without warning or justification.

The Arrest of Stephan Juarez and the Charges Against Him

The driver responsible for the deaths of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux, Stephan Juarez, has been arrested and faces a series of serious charges. Juarez, who was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide—one for each of the victims whose lives were lost that fateful evening. In addition to the vehicular homicide charges, Juarez is facing charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated (second offense), driving with a suspended license, failure to wear a seatbelt, and possession of marijuana.

These charges highlight the recklessness and negligence exhibited by Juarez in the moments leading up to the crash. It is clear that his actions, including his high-speed driving and disregard for traffic laws, directly contributed to the deaths of Hubert and Victoria. The fact that Juarez had previously been convicted of driving while intoxicated adds another layer of irresponsibility and disregard for the safety of others.

Juarez was arrested after being released from Ochsner Hospital Westbank, where he received treatment for minor injuries sustained in the crash. His arrest and the serious charges he faces have sparked anger and frustration among the community members, who feel that justice must be served for the Gauthreauxs and their surviving family members.

The legal proceedings surrounding Juarez’s charges will likely continue for some time, and many are hopeful that the justice system will hold him fully accountable for his actions. However, for the Gauthreaux family, no amount of legal action can undo the damage caused by Juarez’s reckless behavior. The emotional toll of their loss cannot be measured in courtroom terms, and their grieving hearts will need far more than a conviction to begin healing.

The Gauthreaux Family’s Request for Support and the Community’s Response

As the Gauthreaux family navigates this overwhelming loss, they are calling on the community to support them in their time of need. The grief they are experiencing is indescribable, and their request for prayers and comfort has resonated deeply with the people of Gretna and beyond. The Gauthreauxs were pillars of their community, and now, in their absence, their family members are seeking the solace and strength of their neighbors, friends, and the broader community.

In response to the tragic deaths, the City of Gretna will be holding a prayer vigil at the site of the crash on the afternoon of Sunday, February 17, 2025, at 4 p.m. This vigil is intended to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and mourn the loss of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux, as well as to support their grieving family members. Those who attend will join in solidarity, offering prayers, condolences, and acts of kindness to the Gauthreaux family as they begin the difficult journey of healing.

The vigil serves as a reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis, especially when the pain of loss feels overwhelming and insurmountable. It is during times like these that people must come together to lift each other up and offer comfort when words alone cannot suffice.

The Legacy of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux

While their lives were tragically cut short, Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux’s legacy will live on in the memories of their family, friends, and the community they served. Hubert’s unwavering love for his family and his role as a protector and mentor will never be forgotten. Victoria’s kindness and nurturing spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Together, they represented the best qualities of humanity—love, compassion, and a deep commitment to those around them.

Though the pain of their loss is fresh and sharp, the Gauthreauxs’ impact on the lives of others will never be erased. Their children, grandchildren, and extended family will carry their memories forward, honoring their legacy in the ways they live their own lives. The community of Gretna will also remember them fondly, as they were integral parts of the fabric that held their neighborhood together.

As the Gauthreaux family faces an uncertain future without their beloved patriarch and matriarch, the community stands in solidarity with them. In the face of such unimaginable loss, love and support from others are the pillars on which the family will lean in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

A Call for Change: Addressing Drunk Driving in the Community

The deaths of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux have once again highlighted the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. As the community reflects on this tragedy, there is a renewed call for action to address the issue of impaired driving and the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to driving under the influence.

Advocacy groups, local leaders, and concerned citizens are coming together to push for stronger measures to prevent drunk driving incidents like the one that claimed the lives of the Gauthreauxs. From public awareness campaigns to more stringent legal penalties for repeat offenders, there is a growing sense of urgency to combat the ongoing problem of drunk driving and protect innocent lives from harm.

The tragedy that befell Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux serves as a painful reminder of the risks we all face when alcohol and vehicles mix. It is crucial that the community takes proactive steps to address this issue and ensure that future tragedies like this one can be prevented. In the wake of such a heart-wrenching loss, the hope is that meaningful change can arise from the grief and that the memory of Hubert and Victoria will inspire others to make safer choices on the road.

Conclusion: Remembering the Lives of Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux

Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux’s untimely deaths in the tragic drunk-driving crash have forever altered the lives of their family, friends, and the Gretna community. Their legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those who knew them best. As the community rallies around their surviving loved ones, it is clear that the Gauthreauxs’ memory will remain a guiding force in the days ahead.

The arrest of Stephan Juarez and the charges he faces serve as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. While justice for the Gauthreauxs is a necessary step, it is the outpouring of support from the community that will provide the strength needed to carry their memory forward.

May Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux rest in peace, and may their family find comfort in knowing that their love and legacy will never be forgotten.