Two Separate June 11 Crashes in Louisiana Leave Two People Dead

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on June 12, 2022, that on Saturday, June 11, 2022, just after 2:00 p.m., LSP Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 east of LA Hwy 3074. Steve Long, 68, of Simsboro, Louisiana, was killed in the crash. The preliminary investigation revealed that Long was driving a 2002 Nissan Xterra west on Interstate 20. The Nissan exited the roadway and collided with a parked 2019 Freightliner for unknown reasons.

Long, who was restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at Oschner LSU Health in Shreveport. The Freightliner’s driver was not hurt. Although impairment is not suspected, a toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash is still being investigated.

In a separate incident, Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash on Diamond Lane in Ruston, Louisiana, shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Herman Smith, 62, of Ruston, was killed in the crash. The preliminary investigation revealed that Smith was driving a 1996 Buick LeSabre east on Diamond Lane. The Buick exited the roadway for unknown reasons and collided with a parked Nissan Altima that was not occupied.

Police indicated that it is unclear whether Smith was restrained. He died as a result of his injuries, and the Lincoln Parish Coroner pronounced him dead. Although impairment is not suspected, a toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash is still being investigated.

Although the exact cause of the crashes is still being investigated, Troopers want to remind the public that inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and a leading cause of crashes in our state. To stay alert, motorists must pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving and get plenty of rest.
Troop F investigated 14 fatal crashes in 2022, resulting in 18 fatalities.