Two From Louisiana Killed in Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish

By Seraphina Frost
Published June 01, 2023

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Two From Louisiana Killed in Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana – Two people from Louisiana were killed in a two-vehicle head-on crash on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish.

On May 31, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated that Troopers from LSP Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 16, near LA Hwy 449, in St. Helena Parish shortly after 12:45 p.m. Christopher Koch, 36, of Metairie, Louisiana, and Travis Connell, 51, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, were killed in the crash.

According to LSP, the initial inquiry found that Koch was driving a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country westbound on LA Highway 16. A 2004 Freightliner CST112 was heading east on LA Highway 16 at the same moment. The Chrysler reportedly crossed the centerline and collided with the Freightliner for unknown reasons.

Despite being restrained appropriately, Koch suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Connell, Koch’s passenger, was not properly restrained and also died as a result of the crash. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. The Freightliner driver was securely restrained and suffered minor injuries. The Freightliner driver was taken to a nearby hospital. Routine toxicological samples were acquired from both drivers for analysis as part of the continuing inquiry. This crash is still being investigated.

Troopers want to urge drivers to always make wise decisions when driving. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted, follow all traffic laws, and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all automobile crashes are avoidable, simple precautions like these can frequently mean the difference between life and death.