Gibsland, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that occurred on June 15, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Interstate 20 near Louisiana Highway 154. The incident claimed the life of 32-year-old Lauren Carkeet of Lewisville, Texas.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 2010 GMC Acadia driven by 29-year-old Joshua Ware of Prosper, Texas, was traveling westbound on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, Ware’s vehicle left the roadway and collided with a parked 18-wheeler, which was occupied at the time. The impact was severe enough to result in significant damage to the GMC.
Ware, who was properly restrained with a seat belt, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Carkeet, seated in the front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators are still working to determine whether Carkeet was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the parked 18-wheeler was not injured in the incident. Louisiana State Police do not suspect impairment on the part of Ware, though standard toxicology samples have been collected as part of the ongoing investigation.