Louisiana Man Killed in Crash on LA 177 After Failing to Yield While Making a Left Turn

Evelyn, Louisiana –  A two-vehicle crash in Louisiana resulted in the death of a 95-year-old Coushatta man after his vehicle failed to yield while turning.

Louisiana State Police reported that on Saturday, December 31, 2022, just before 2:00 p.m., Troopers assigned to LSP Troop G began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on LA Hwy 177 at LA Hwy 510. Walter Johnson, 95, of Coushatta, Louisiana, was killed in this crash.

The initial inquiry found that Johnson’s 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe was stationary on LA Hwy 510, ready to make a left turn onto LA Hwy 177. At the same time, a 2013 Western Star tractor-trailer was going south on LA Hwy 177. Johnson failed to yield and was hit by the Western Star. The Hyundai was thrown off the road and into a ditch as a result of the collision.

Johnson was restrained but suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the DeSoto Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Western Star was also restrained and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Although impairment is not thought to be a factor in this crash, regular toxicological samples were collected and submitted for examination. The accident is still being investigated.

Troop G investigated 35 fatal crashes in 2022, resulting in 38 fatalities.