Two From Louisiana Killed After Colliding with a Tree in a Single-Vehicle Crash on LA 40

Loranger, Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on December 07, 2022, that soon after 4:00 p.m. on December 06, 2022, Troopers from LSP Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA Highway 40 near LA Highway 445 in Tangipahoa Parish. John Bitter, 67, of Covington, Louisiana, and Janice Pellegrin, 64, of Covington, Louisiana, were killed in the collision.

The incident occurred while the driver, John Bitter, drove eastbound on LA Hwy 40 in a 2011 Nissan Sentra, according to the preliminary investigation. The Nissan crossed the center line and exited the route for unknown reasons. The Nissan collided with a tree after leaving the road.

Despite the fact that both occupants were securely restrained, the crash killed them both. Bitter was declared dead at the scene. Pellegrin was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver's impairment is unknown, however, a routine toxicological sample was acquired for processing. This crash is still being investigated.

Troopers want to urge drivers to always make wise decisions when driving. Never drive while inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and always obey all traffic rules. While not all car accidents are avoidable, simple precautions like these can frequently mean the difference between life and death.