Unrestrained Louisiana Man Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Single-Vehicle Crash on LA 127

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on July 23, 2022, that around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Troopers assigned to LSP Troop E began investigating a one-vehicle serious injury crash on LA Hwy 127, south of Cannon Road near Jena, Louisiana. Huey Smith, 33, of Jena, Louisiana, was not wearing a seat belt and died days later as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The initial investigation revealed that Smith was driving a 2000 GMC Sierra south on LA Hwy 127. The vehicle exited the roadway and overturned for reasons that are still being investigated.
Smith was ejected during the crash and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center to be treated. Smith was later declared dead on July 22, 2022.
Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, routine toxicology samples were collected and sent for analysis.

Louisiana State Police indicated that the crash is still being investigated.

Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash, according to LSP. Failure to buckle up for a few seconds can have disastrous consequences. Every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, is required by Louisiana law to be properly restrained at all times.

So far in 2022, Troop E has investigated 20 fatal crashes, resulting in 21 deaths.