Louisiana Teen Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on LA 553 After Colliding with a Tree, Speed Suspected as a Factor

Monroe, Louisiana – A 17-year-old Louisiana teen was killed in a single-vehicle crash on LA 553. The investigation revealed that the teen was driving at a high speed when he collided with a tree.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, that at approximately 8:00 a.m., LSP Troop F responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 553 near Moon Lake Road. James Michael Sykes, 17, of Monroe, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Sykes was driving a 2008 Toyota Tundra north on Louisiana Highway 553 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle exited the roadway and collided with a tree for unknown reasons.

Sykes, who was restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, according to the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment isn’t thought to be a factor, but standard toxicology samples were collected and sent for testing. This crash is still being investigated.

When a driver speeds, the forces of impact are greatly increased in the event of a crash, reducing the effectiveness of occupant protection systems such as seat belts and airbags. Speeding also lengthens stopping distances and reduces the amount of time available to respond to changing road conditions.

So far in 2023, Troop F has investigated three fatal crashes that resulted in three deaths.