Arcadia, Louisiana — A single-vehicle crash late Wednesday night on U.S. Highway 80 near Louisiana Highway 9 led to the death of a Lucky resident and injuries to two passengers, according to the Louisiana State Police.

At approximately 10:50 p.m. on May 21, 2025, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to reports of a crash involving a 2002 Honda Accord. The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle, driven by 32-year-old David Gardner of Lucky, was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway for reasons still being investigated. The car struck a culvert, which is a structure that allows water to flow under a road.

Gardner was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident. He suffered severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him deceased. Two passengers in the Honda Accord, also unrestrained, sustained moderate injuries. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment and are expected to recover.

Investigators suspect impairment may have played a role in the crash. Toxicology samples were collected from Gardner and submitted for laboratory analysis. The findings will be used to determine if substances such as alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.

The Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the crash to gather more information about the events leading up to the vehicle leaving the roadway. Officials have not released the identities of the injured passengers as the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities remind all motorists that wearing seat belts significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires all occupants in a vehicle to be properly restrained.