Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police Troop E arrived at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on I-49 near Milepost 53 around 12:45 p.m. on March 4, 2024. Unfortunately, the crash resulted in the death of 39-year-old Lekedrick Bowden from Monroe, Louisiana.

The first investigation showed that a 2018 Cadillac, driven by Bowden, was driving north on I-49. For reasons still being investigated, as Bowden was trying to overtake a northbound commercial vehicle, the Cadillac started to hydroplane and he lost control of it. This caused the vehicle to spin into the path of the commercial vehicle and get hit.

Bowden, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Three other passengers in the Cadillac had minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The driver of the commercial vehicle, who was also restrained, did not suffer any injuries. 

Standard toxicology samples were collected for analysis. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

Troopers want to emphasize to the public the importance of preventing hydroplaning on the road. It is crucial to reduce speed during rain or when there is water present on the road. Check that your tires have sufficient tread depth and are correctly inflated. Avoid using cruise control and making sudden movements like abrupt braking or sharp turns. If you do begin to hydroplane, stay calm and release the accelerator until you regain control.

So far in 2024, Troop E has looked into eight deadly crashes, leading to a total of nine fatalities.