The popular Iberia Middle School principal known for engaging with students and always putting a smile on the face of students and staff died this morning after a motor vehicle accident.

Dina Bourque, 56, of New Iberia died, according to the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office.

Yesterday, Bourque led a high-energy and enthusiastic pep rally called “Out of This World” as students and teachers dressed as aliens or astronauts. Bourque came out as a NASA astronaut which brought the students in the bleachers to their feet.

She was also recognized by the district recently as a principal of the year.

Officials from the New Iberia Police Department said in a statement, “Shortly after 6 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, the New Iberia Police Department responded to a vehicle crash at the intersection of US Highway 90 West Frontage Road and North Grand Prairie Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed a tractor pulling trailers loaded with sugarcane was traveling on North Grand Prairie Road, when the driver failed to yield at the stop sign located at the intersection of the Frontage Road.

A vehicle traveling east on the Frontage Road collided with the trailer.

The driver of the car was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office.

The driver of the tractor was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

Standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and the results are pending.”