Impairment Suspected in Head-On Crash on LA 139 that Claimed the Life of a Louisiana Man

Share This:

Published June 26, 2022

Impairment Suspected in Head-On Crash on LA 139 that Claimed the Life of a Louisiana Man

Louisiana – On June 25, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that on Friday, June 24, 2022, just after 5:00 p.m., LSP Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 139 at Everglades Road in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. Prentice Starr, Jr., 48, of Monroe, Louisiana, died in the crash. The preliminary investigation revealed that Starr Jr. was driving a 2015 Dodge Charger north on LA Highway 139. At the same time, a 2017 Hyundai Sonata was driving south on LA Hwy 139. The Dodge crossed the centerline and struck the Hyundai for unknown reasons.
Starr Jr., who was restrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Morehouse Parish Coroner.

The driver of the Hyundai, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated at a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Louisiana State Police indicated that impairment is suspected to be a factor, and toxicology samples were collected and sent for testing. This crash is still being investigated.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to remind motorists that impaired driving is still a major issue in the state. The consequences of driving while impaired remain the same whether the impairment is caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. Making wise decisions while driving, such as never driving while intoxicated, always ensuring all occupants are properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions, can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop F has investigated 15 fatal crashes in 2022, resulting in 19 fatalities.