St. Francisville, Louisiana - A devastating two-vehicle crash on US 61 at the intersection of Rosemound Loop Road on August 13, 2024, resulted in the tragic loss of 83-year-old Vernon Johnson Sr. of St. Francisville, Louisiana. The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 a.m. when Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck was traveling southbound on US 61, while a 2013 Toyota Corolla, driven by Johnson, was approaching the intersection from Rosemound Loop Road. Johnson failed to yield at the stop sign and attempted to cross the southbound lanes of US 61, entering the path of the Ford. The front of the Ford impacted the driver's side of the Toyota, causing severe injuries to Johnson.

Despite being properly restrained, Johnson was transported to a local hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Ford, who was also properly restrained, escaped the incident uninjured. While impairment is not suspected, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a vehicle. This includes never driving impaired, fatigued, or distracted, following all traffic laws, and ensuring every occupant is properly restrained. By taking these simple precautions, motorists can significantly reduce the risk of fatal crashes.