East Carroll Parish, Louisiana – An improperly restrained child was killed in a morning crash on LA 877 in Louisiana.
On the morning of Tuesday, August 29, 2023, just before 8:00 a.m., officers from Louisiana State Police Troop F started probing a fatal crash involving two vehicles on LA Hwy 877 at LA Hwy 580. This tragic crash caused the death of a 3-year-old child, Tavorious Hopkins, from Lake Providence, Louisiana.
The initial probe suggested that John Vaughn Jr., aged 55, was driving a 2019 Dodge Caravan south on LA Hwy 877. Simultaneously, a 2012 Freightliner pulling a grain trailer was moving east on LA Hwy 580. The reasons are still being investigated, but according to reports, the Dodge didn’t stop at the stop sign located at the junction of LA Hwy 877 and LA Hwy 580. Consequently, the Dodge ventured into the Freightliner’s path and got hit.
Hopkins, who was not adequately secured according to police, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Both drivers, who were appropriately secured, sustained minor injuries. A passenger seated in the second row of the Dodge was not adequately restrained and suffered moderate injuries.
Vaughn and the other passenger were moved to a local hospital for medical attention.
Even though no impairment is presumed, standard toxicology specimens were taken and will be sent for examination. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.
Louisiana State Police emphasize the importance of making wise choices while operating a car. Don’t drive when under the influence, exhausted, or not fully focused. Adhere to all road rules and always make sure all passengers are securely fastened. Although not all accidents can be lived through, observing such straightforward safety procedures can often spell the difference between survival and fatality.
For any questions about car seat safety and securely traveling with children in the car, you can reach out to the closest Public Information Officer at LSP. For further details concerning the safety of child passengers, check Buckle Up Louisiana’s Facebook page and/or visit www.lahighwaysafety.org.
In 2023, there have been 24 deadly accidents investigated by Troop F, leading to the demise of 27 individuals.