Benton, Louisiana - On July 16, 2024, Louisiana State Police reported a tragic incident occurred on July 4, 2024, when a trailer detached from a vehicle and struck a man operating a lawnmower in his yard, resulting in his death. The crash took place on Louisiana Highway 3, north of Kingston Road, and is currently under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop G.

According to the preliminary investigation, 66-year-old Donald Ward was mowing his lawn with a zero-turn lawnmower when the trailer, being towed by a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 48-year-old Mark Foy of Benton, Louisiana suddenly detached from the vehicle and collided with Ward. The trailer, which was empty at the time, was not properly secured to the Chevrolet, leading to the fatal incident.

Ward suffered severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries on July 14, 2024. Foy, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash. Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the incident, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis.

The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending. Louisiana state law (L.R.S. 32:383) emphasizes the importance of securely fastening loads on vehicles to prevent them from becoming loose or detached, posing a hazard to other road users.

This incident marks the sixth fatal crash investigated by Troop G in 2024, resulting in a total of seven deaths. The Louisiana State Police Troop G urges all drivers to prioritize safety on the roadway and ensure that their loads are properly secured to prevent such tragic incidents.

Louisiana State Police reminds citizens that securely fastening loads is crucial to preventing crashes and ensuring the safety of everyone.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.