Vernon Parish, Louisiana - A 4-year-old child from Hornbeck died following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 171 at Barham Road on October 6, 2025, according to Louisiana State Police Troop E.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 3:39 p.m. when a 2018 Ford Expedition traveling north on U.S. Highway 171 entered the median crossover to turn left onto Barham Road. The driver of the Expedition failed to yield to a southbound 2004 Ford Windstar, causing the two vehicles to collide.

Louisiana State Police investigators reported that the Expedition's driver, who was properly restrained with a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Two children were passengers in the Expedition at the time of the incident.

A 6-year-old passenger in the Expedition was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained moderate injuries. The child was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The 4-year-old passenger, also unrestrained, suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital for emergency care.

The driver of the Ford Windstar was properly restrained and did not sustain injuries in the crash, according to the police report.

State police obtained routine toxicology samples from the drivers involved in the crash and submitted them for laboratory analysis. The results of these tests are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.

On October 7, 2025, Louisiana State Police Troop E received notification that the 4-year-old child had died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. State police have not released additional details about what led the Expedition driver to enter the median crossover or the specific circumstances surrounding the failure to yield.