Ouachita, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 westbound at milepost 103 Friday afternoon, May 30, 2025. The incident resulted in the death of 52-year-old Jesse Wayne Culpepper of West Monroe, Louisiana.

According to the initial report released by authorities, the incident occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. Culpepper was driving a 2013 GMC Sierra with a small utility trailer in tow when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right. The truck struck a guardrail and overturned, causing significant damage to the vehicle.

Investigators confirmed that Culpepper was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. As a result, he was ejected from the GMC Sierra and sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

A front-seat passenger in the vehicle, who was properly restrained by a seat belt, suffered only minor injuries. Louisiana State Police indicated that impairment, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is not suspected to have played a role in this incident. The investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains ongoing.

Safety experts and law enforcement officials consistently emphasize the importance of seat belt use. According to national statistics, wearing a seat belt significantly lowers the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.