Livingston, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday morning on Highway 444 in Livingston Parish, claiming the life of a 23-year-old woman from Madisonville.

The fatal incident happened shortly before 9:00 a.m. on September 19, 2025, near Acosta Lane on LA 444, according to Louisiana State Police Troop A investigators. Sarah Stone of Madisonville was pronounced dead at the scene following a head-on collision between her vehicle and a commercial tow truck.

According to the preliminary investigation, Stone was driving a 2002 Honda Civic eastbound on LA 444 when the crash occurred. A 2014 Peterbilt tow truck was traveling in the opposite direction on the same highway near Acosta Lane.

Police report that Stone's Honda failed to navigate a right curve in the roadway, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline and strike the westbound Peterbilt in a head-on collision. The impact proved fatal for the young driver despite being properly restrained by her seatbelt.

The tow truck driver, who was also wearing proper restraints, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Emergency responders transported the driver for medical evaluation, though the extent of treatment required has not been disclosed.

Louisiana State Police investigators do not suspect impairment played a role in the deadly crash. However, routine toxicology samples were collected from both drivers as part of standard protocol in fatal traffic incidents. These samples will be analyzed by state laboratories to confirm the absence of drugs or alcohol.

Highway 444 is a rural two-lane road that connects several communities in Livingston Parish.

Louisiana State Police encourage all drivers to remain alert, maintain safe following distances, and adjust driving behavior for road conditions. Proper seatbelt use, while unable to prevent this tragedy, remains crucial for occupant protection in vehicle crashes.