Sabine Parish, Louisiana - At around 7:30 a.m. on February 7, 2024, Louisiana State Police Troop E arrived at a collision involving two vehicles on Louisiana Highway 191 near the Union Springs community. Tragically, a 14-year-old minor from Converse, Louisiana lost their life in the crash.

According to the first investigation, a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was being driven by a 33-year-old man named Henry Ezernack from Noble, Louisiana, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 191. The Jeep, for reasons that are still being looked into, veered across the centerlines and into the southbound lane, where it crashed head-on with a 2005 Dodge Ram.

Ezernack, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The 16-year-old driver of the Dodge, who also was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Sadly, the 14-year-old passenger in the Dodge, who was also not wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Standard samples for toxicology analysis were collected and submitted.

The reason for this collision is still being investigated, but Louisiana State Police indicated that distracted and inattentive driving is still a significant reason for crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police advises all drivers to remain attentive while driving as a lack of awareness can result in fatal outcomes.

While it's true that not everyone can survive all vehicle crashes, using seat belts correctly can significantly lower the likelihood of death and minimize the severity of injuries. Making sure all occupants are properly restrained at all times can often determine whether they live or die.

Four fatal crashes have been investigated by Troop E Troopers, which resulted in four deaths, in the year 2024.