Madison Parish, Louisiana - Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop F launched an investigation into a tragic collision that occurred on Friday, February 9, 2024, just past 10:00 p.m. The incident involved a lone vehicle and a pedestrian on US-80 near Bailey Street, in Madison Parish, resulting in the unfortunate death of Johnnie Brunson, aged 74, from Tallulah, Louisiana.

According to the initial inquiry, it was found that a 2015 Chrysler 200 was heading west on US-80. Simultaneously, Brunson, who was dressed in dark attire, was walking in the westbound lane of US 80 close to the middle. Brunson got hit by the Ford for reasons that are still being investigated by Louisiana State Police.

Brunson sustained fatal injuries and passed away at the location. The driver of the Chrysler was wearing a seatbelt and was unharmed.

While there is no suspicion of impairment, standard toxicology samples were taken and will be analyzed. The investigation of this accident is still ongoing.

Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is immensely crucial when it comes to walking near or crossing roads. To lower the chances of crashes, pedestrians should consistently walk against the direction of traffic, enabling them to spot approaching vehicles and respond accordingly. Moreover, when walking during nighttime, it is important to wear bright clothes or reflective gear for better visibility. By following these measures, pedestrian safety can be greatly enhanced while reducing the occurrence of crashes on the road.

So far in 2024, Troop F has investigated three fatal crashes, leading to a total of three deaths.