Erwinville, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on December 21, 2025, on Louisiana Highway 413, south of LA 3091, in West Baton Rouge Parish. The incident claimed the life of 52-year-old Martin Laster of Denham Springs.

According to a preliminary report from Louisiana State Police Troop A, Laster was riding a 2015 Indian motorcycle north on LA 413 as he entered a right-hand curve. At the same time, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south on the same highway.

For reasons that remain under investigation, troopers say Laster failed to negotiate the curve and crossed the center line into the southbound lane. His motorcycle then struck the Chevrolet Silverado head-on.

Laster sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Investigators noted that he was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the incident.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was properly restrained and was not injured, according to State Police.

Troopers reported that impairment is currently unknown. As is standard procedure in fatal crashes, routine toxicology samples were collected from involved parties and will be analyzed to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor. Results typically take several weeks, depending on laboratory processing times.

The crash remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop A. No additional details, including possible contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or weather, have been released at this time.