Update: Authorities have confirmed that the individual in this crash was Jessie Michael Richard, a 46-year-old resident of Lake Charles.

Original:

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - At around 7:15 p.m. on December 27, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop D launched an investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 14, about 2 miles south of Hayes. The crash resulted in the death of the driver, who had not yet been identified at the time this was published.

Initial findings indicate that the pickup truck was heading north on LA 14 when it crossed the center line and veered off the road for unknown reasons. Subsequently, the truck caught fire after leaving the road, trapping the unidentified driver inside and leading to their death at the scene.

The driver's identity is still pending confirmation, and a toxicology sample has been collected for analysis. This incident is currently being investigated.

Troop D has investigated a total of 35 fatal crashes that caused 38 deaths so far in 2023.