Louisiana State Police Report 2 Fatal Crashes Involving Juveniles Drivers Over the Weekend

Louisiana – Over the May 7th weekend, Louisiana State Police reported two separate fatal crashes involving juvenile drivers.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on JaBush Road on May 7, 2022, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saylor Gatti, 11, of Zwolle, Louisiana, was killed in the crash. The initial investigation revealed that Gatti was driving a 2021 Yamaha Viking Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) westbound on JaBush Road. Gatti lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn for reasons that are still being investigated. Gatti and her three juvenile passengers were ejected from the vehicle as a result of this action.

Gatti, who was not restrained or wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, according to the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office. One minor injury was sustained by a juvenile passenger who was not restrained or wearing a helmet and was transported to a nearby hospital. Two other juvenile passengers, who were not restrained or wearing a helmet, were not injured.
Routine toxicology samples were collected and analyzed. The crash is still being investigated.

Another fatal crash occurred on May 7, 2022, at approximately 8:45 p.m. on U.S. Highway 165 at Louisiana Highway 3130, according to Louisiana State Police Troop E. A 14-year-old juvenile passenger was killed in this crash.

The initial investigation revealed that a juvenile was driving a 2006 Toyota Tacoma westbound on Louisiana Highway 3130. The juvenile failed to stop at the stop sign as the Toyota approached the intersection with US Highway 165. As a result, the Toyota entered the northbound lanes of US Highway 165 and was collided with a northbound 2022 Hyundai. As a result of this action, the Toyota flipped onto its roof, ejecting two passengers.

The juvenile driver was transporting six juvenile passengers at the time of the crash. Four of the six unrestrained juvenile passengers suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. One unrestrained juvenile passenger suffered severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. One unrestrained juvenile passenger suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Grant Parish Coroner’s Office. The unrestrained juvenile driver suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Hyundai and three passengers, who were all restrained, suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police reminded motorists in a press release that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important decisions a driver can make. While not all accidents are avoidable, proper use of seat belts can significantly reduce an occupant’s risk of death and injury. Making certain that all occupants are properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2022, Troop E has investigated 16 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths.