Morehouse Parish, Louisiana - Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop F started looking into a deadly single-car crash on US-425 near Pippen's Road around noon on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Sadly, the crash resulted in the death of Derrick Mitchell, a 39-year-old from Chicago, Illinois.
Initial findings from the investigation showed that a 2020 Freightliner tractor (semi-truck), being driven by Mitchell, was heading north on US-425 in the right lane. The Freightliner veered off the road for unknown reasons and collided with several trees.
Mitchell, who according to LSP was not properly restrained, was declared dead at the crash site. Samples for routine toxicology testing were taken and will be analyzed. The cause of the crash is still being looked into.
Louisiana State Police are advising drivers to watch their speed, wear their seat belts, and minimize distractions while driving. Driving at high speeds significantly increases the chances of severe injury or fatalities, and not wearing a seat belt further heightens these risks.
So far in 2024, LSP Troop F has looked into five fatal crashes, leading to five fatalities.