Westlake, Louisiana – On Sunday, March 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers with the Westlake Police Department responded to a reported crash involving two vehicles at the I-10 eastbound onramp near mile marker 27. Upon arrival, officers discovered a white Toyota Rav4 and a silver Toyota Camry in the grassy median.

Initial investigations revealed that the driver of the Camry, who appeared unharmed, had exited his vehicle. Officers then approached the Rav4 and found its driver unconscious and not breathing. Westlake Fire Department personnel, along with Acadian Ambulance, attempted life-saving measures on the driver of the Rav4 but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene shortly thereafter.

A passenger in the Rav4 managed to exit the vehicle and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The nature of the passenger's injuries remains unclear, but they were conscious when transported from the scene.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Reports from Westlake Police indicated that authorities do not suspect impairment as a contributing factor, but standardized toxicology tests have been performed to confirm this. The Louisiana State Police provided assistance to the Westlake Police Department during the investigation.

The driver of the Camry received citations for careless operation and for having an expired inspection sticker. Officers Chandler and Montgomery are leading the investigation into the crash.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.