Bogalusa, Louisiana - A fatal crash in Washington Parish early Saturday claimed the life of a Bogalusa, Louisiana, resident and left another driver seriously injured, according to Louisiana State Police.

Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to LA Highway 21 near Lon Miley Road at approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 26, 2025. The preliminary investigation indicates a 2008 Dodge Dakota, driven by 43-year-old Gary W. Pittman Jr. of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was heading south when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2013 GMC Sierra. Authorities report the cause of Pittman’s vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic is still under investigation.

Pittman, who was wearing his seat belt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the GMC Sierra, whose seat belt status was not immediately known, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The names of the GMC driver are withheld pending further investigation.

Standard in serious incidents of this nature, routine toxicology samples were collected from both drivers to determine whether impairment may have played a role, though results are pending.

Louisiana State Police urge all motorists to practice caution on state highways, emphasizing the importance of seat belt use and attentive driving.