Unrestrained Louisiana Driver Killed in Early Morning Two-Vehicle Crash on LA 16

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana – An unrestrained Louisiana driver was killed in an early morning two-vehicle crash on LA 16.

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), Troopers from LSP Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 16, near LA Hwy 63, in St. Helena Parish on February 23, 2023, soon before 3:00 a.m. Natalie Thompson, 35, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The initial inquiry found that a 2014 Ford Mustang was traveling east on LA Highway 16. A 1994 Kenworth W900 was also eastbound on LA Highway 16 behind the Ford. For unknown circumstances, the Ford traveled into the right shoulder before turning left back into the eastbound lane of travel. The Kenworth then collided with the Ford.

Thompson was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. Thompson was declared dead at the scene. The Kenworth driver was properly restrained and escaped unharmed.

Routine toxicological samples were acquired from both drivers for analysis as part of the continuing inquiry. This crash is still being investigated.

While not all accidents are avoidable, statistics suggest that wearing your seat belt properly reduces your chances of being wounded or killed in an accident. Louisiana law requires that everyone in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, wear their seat belts at all times. Wearing your seat belt correctly is one of the most efficient strategies to save your life and limit injuries in a car accident.