Two Vehicle Crash on LA 16 Claims Life of Teen Driver and Injures Two

Livingston Parish – A two-vehicle crash on LA 16 in Louisiana claimed the life of an 18-year-old motorist. The collision occurred when the driver was driving at a high rate of speed and attempted to pass other vehicles. The other driver and a child passenger were sent to a hospital with minor injuries.

Thursday, December 15, soon after 3:00 p.m., Troopers with LSP Troop A investigated a fatal two-vehicle collision on LA 16 near Simms Road in Livingston Parish, Louisiana State Police reported on December 16, 2022. Jaxen Joseph Ray, age 18, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was ultimately killed in the accident.

Troopers determined that Ray was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on LA 16 at a high rate of speed based on their first investigation. While attempting to pass numerous vehicles in a curve, Ray collided with a Ford F-250 carrying a trailer that was traveling north. Ray suffered fatal injuries in the collision and was declared dead at the scene.

The F-250 driver and a child passenger sustained minor injuries. Both were brought to a nearby hospital for medical attention. It is not suspected that impairment contributed to this collision. Ray's use of restraints is unknown at this time. As part of the ongoing inquiry, blood samples from both drivers were taken and analyzed.

Speed, impairment, distractions, and lack of seatbelts continue to be contributory factors in Louisiana State Police-investigated crashes. These avoidable collisions frequently have life-altering effects on all persons involved. Please discuss with your loved ones the significance of making safe decisions when driving.