Vernon Parish, Louisiana – On March 12, 2025, Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a tragic two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 28 West, near the intersection with Louisiana Highway 465. The incident resulted in the death of 54-year-old Christopher D. Authement, a resident of Florien, Louisiana.
Initial investigations indicate that both a 2019 International log truck and a 2017 Hyundai, driven by Authement, were traveling westbound on Louisiana Highway 28 West. For reasons that are still being determined, Authement failed to slow down and subsequently rear-ended the log truck, which was loaded with logs at the time. The impact of the crash was severe, leading to Authement sustaining fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Authement was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident, while the driver of the log truck, who was properly restrained, reported no injuries. A toxicology sample was collected from Authement and is currently being analyzed to rule out any contributing factors that may have influenced his driving behavior.
The Louisiana State Police have emphasized that distracted and inattentive driving remain significant contributors to crashes throughout the state. They urge all drivers to remain vigilant and focused while operating a vehicle. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in this tragic incident.
Although not all crashes result in fatalities, proper use of seat belts is a critical safety measure.