St. Helena Parish, Louisiana - A 25-year-old Baton Rouge man died early Saturday morning following a head-on collision on Louisiana Highway 1045 in St. Helena Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.
Elijah L. Brumfield was driving a 2011 Mazda Mazda3 westbound on LA Hwy 1045 near LA Hwy 43 when his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound 2006 Ford F-250 at approximately 2:30 a.m. on October 26, 2025. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to the scene of the two-vehicle crash.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Brumfield was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was ejected from the Mazda and sustained fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced Brumfield deceased at the crash site.
Travis D. Keller of Slaughter was operating the Ford F-250 at the time of the crash. Keller, who was properly restrained with a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene.
During their investigation, troopers determined that Keller was impaired while operating his vehicle. Law enforcement charged Keller with 1st Offense DWI and additional traffic violations. Due to injuries he sustained in the crash, authorities released Keller on a summons rather than taking him into custody. Medical staff at a local hospital assumed care of Keller following his release.
Louisiana State Police obtained routine toxicology samples from both drivers as part of the ongoing investigation. These samples will be analyzed to determine the presence of alcohol or other substances that may have contributed to the crash. The investigation into why Brumfield's vehicle crossed the centerline remains active.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions represent one of the deadliest types of crashes on American roadways. The combination of speed from both vehicles often results in severe or fatal injuries, even at relatively low speeds.
Louisiana law requires all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts. The restraint system is designed to keep occupants inside the vehicle during a crash, significantly reducing the risk of fatal injuries. Ejection from a vehicle during a collision dramatically increases the likelihood of death or serious injury.
First offense DWI charges in Louisiana carry penalties that may include fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, community service, substance abuse treatment, and license suspension. Additional charges filed against Keller have not been specified by Louisiana State Police at this time.
The crash occurred on a rural stretch of LA Hwy 1045, a two-lane roadway that serves as a connector between several communities in St. Helena Parish.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.