Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Shortly after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 61, just south of Louisiana Highway 42 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The incident resulted in the death of Travis Weams, 48, of Prairieville, Louisiana.
According to state police, the investigation initially determined that Weams was driving a 2012 Toyota Camry northbound on US 61 near Manchac Park Road. For reasons authorities are still investigating, Weams’s vehicle crashed.
After exiting his car, Weams crossed the highway median and stepped into the northbound lane of US 61. At that moment, a 2019 Mack garbage truck traveling northbound struck Weams. In the immediate aftermath, a 2016 Ford Mustang, also traveling northbound, hit Weams a second time. Both drivers involved remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
Weams sustained injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. The drivers of the Mack truck and the Mustang were both properly restrained, according to police, and neither reported injuries.
Louisiana State Police stated that impairment is not suspected for either driver. However, standard toxicology samples—a procedure police follow in all fatal crashes—were collected from the drivers and Weams to assist with the ongoing investigation.
At this time, Louisiana State Police have not released further details about the cause of the initial crash or why Weams was on foot in the roadway.