Deputy Joshua Dunaway Remembered: Prairieville Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of a Dedicated Officer
Prairieville, Louisiana, is reeling from a devastating loss after the tragic death of Deputy Joshua Dunaway of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. A respected officer, devoted father, beloved coworker, and loyal friend, Joshua’s sudden passing has left a void that words struggle to fill. He died following a fatal motorcycle accident on LA 44, a tragedy that has shaken the community and the law enforcement family to its core.
A Quiet Evening Turns Tragic on LA 44
The unimaginable occurred when Deputy Joshua Dunaway was involved in a catastrophic motorcycle accident along LA 44. While full details of the crash remain under investigation, what is known is heartbreaking enough: Joshua’s injuries were severe, and despite efforts to save him, he tragically succumbed to those injuries.
For those who knew him, the news felt surreal. Joshua was known for his skill, discipline, and unwavering dedication—both on duty and off. He had a presence that made people feel safe, not just because of the badge he wore, but because of the kindness and steadiness he brought into every interaction. The suddenness of the accident left colleagues stunned, friends heartbroken, and family shattered by the weight of this unexpected loss.
The sharp contrast between an ordinary moment and a life-altering tragedy underscores how precious—and fragile—every second truly is. Joshua’s final ride on LA 44 now echoes as a somber reminder of how quickly everything can change.
A Life of Service, Honor, and Quiet Strength
Deputy Dunaway wasn’t just an officer—he was a man who embodied service. Throughout his years with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, he earned respect through his reliability, compassion, and steadfast commitment to protecting his community. Whether responding to calls, assisting fellow deputies, or calming distressed families in moments of crisis, Joshua consistently showed humanity in every action.
His coworkers describe him as the kind of deputy others aspired to be: calm under pressure, thoughtful in his decisions, and deeply committed to doing what was right. He carried his badge with dignity, knowing that his work had meaning. Even off duty, Joshua was known for his warmth, humor, and genuine care for the people in his life.
His loss is not simply the passing of an officer—it is the loss of a good man whose influence reached far beyond his uniform.
A Community United in Grief, Honor, and Support
As Prairieville mourns, tributes have poured in from all corners of Ascension Parish and beyond. Patrol units have lined up in silent salute. Residents have placed flowers, candles, and handwritten messages outside the Sheriff’s Office. Fellow deputies have held one another close, leaning on shared grief and shared memories.
Joshua’s family now faces an unimaginable road ahead—one filled with grief, remembrance, and the overwhelming silence left by a loved one’s absence. Yet they are not walking it alone. The community stands firmly behind them, offering prayers, donations, love, and unwavering support during this heartbreaking time.
Deputy Joshua Dunaway’s legacy will live on not only in his years of service, but in the countless lives he touched through kindness, courage, and compassion. Prairieville will never forget him.