Slidell, Louisiana - Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L started investigating a deadly single-vehicle crash on the early morning of May 4th on U.S. Hwy 190 near Cross Creek Drive in St. Tammany Parish. The crash resulted in the death of an 18-year-old named Helgin Guerra from Slidell, Louisiana.

The preliminary investigation showed that the crash happened when Guerra was driving north on U.S. Hwy 190 in a 2004 Chevrolet Express. It is still unclear why, but the Chevrolet crashed into a bridge guardrail and flipped over.

According to reports from Louisiana State Police, Guerra was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered deadly injuries from the crash. Guerra was declared dead at the crash site. A standard toxicology sample was taken from Guerra for testing as part of the current inquiry.

Although not all crashes can be survived, data indicates that wearing your seat belt correctly can significantly lower the risk of injury or death in a crash. In Louisiana, it is mandatory for all individuals in a vehicle to be buckled up, no matter where they are seated. Properly wearing a seat belt is a highly effective method of increasing the likelihood of survival and minimizing injuries in a crash.