Kentwood, Louisiana - A 13-year-old bicyclist lost his life following a crash involving a pickup truck in Tangipahoa Parish on December 26, 2024. The incident, which occurred near Crawford Road on Louisiana Highway 1061, also resulted in injuries to a second cyclist.

Louisiana State Police Troop L reports that Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was critically injured when a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado collided with him and another cyclist at approximately 6:30 p.m. The crash occurred as both bicyclists, wearing dark-colored clothing, were traveling southbound on the highway near a hillcrest.

Investigators say the Silverado was also traveling southbound when it struck both cyclists. Mixon was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second cyclist sustained moderate injuries and was also taken to a hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Silverado, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, emerged uninjured. As part of standard procedure in fatal crash investigations, authorities obtained toxicology samples from the driver for analysis.

Louisiana State Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.