Amite, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred in the pre-dawn hours on Louisiana Highway 16 in St. Helena Parish. The incident, which happened near Leonard Chapel Road at approximately 4:40 a.m. on March 19, 2025, resulted in the death of a 43-year-old Tickfaw, Louisiana resident.

According to preliminary reports from Troop L investigators, Chad A. Ribando was walking in the eastbound lane of Highway 16 when he was struck by a 2017 Dodge Charger traveling in the same direction. The driver of the Dodge, who authorities report was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was uninjured.

Investigators noted that Ribando was wearing dark-colored clothing at the time of the incident, potentially affecting visibility in the early morning darkness. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by local authorities.

As part of standard protocol in fatal crash investigations, toxicology samples were collected from both the pedestrian and the driver of the vehicle. These samples will undergo laboratory analysis as the investigation continues.

State Police have not yet determined why Ribando was walking in the traffic lane or if other factors contributed to the crash. The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand all circumstances surrounding the incident.