Baton Rouge, Louisiana - A tragic two-vehicle crash occurred on US 61 in East Baton Rouge Parish early in the morning of November 15, 2024, claiming the life of a 44-year-old man from Zachary, Louisiana. According to Louisiana State Police Troop A, the incident happened just south of LA 964.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Leandrew Coates, the driver of a 2003 Nissan 350Z, was traveling southbound on US 61 at a high rate of speed. Meanwhile, a 2023 Mack dump truck was heading northbound on the same highway and attempting to make a left turn into a private drive.

As a result of the turn, the Nissan collided with the passenger side of the Mack dump truck. Unfortunately, Coates was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mack truck was properly restrained and escaped the incident unharmed.

Louisiana State Police have stated that impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash. However, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.