Unrestrained Louisiana Passenger Dies, Others Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash on US 190

Louisiana – On November 8, 2022, soon after 11:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 190 at LA Highway 741. Velma D. Hendrix, 84, of Melville, Louisiana, died in the collision.

The initial investigation found that Michael Cook of Columbia, Louisiana, was driving a 2015 Ram 2500 truck south of LA 741. At the same time, a 2008 Acura RDX was driving west on US 190. Cook reportedly failed to yield as the Acura approached the crossroads, attempting to cross over both westbound lanes of US 190. The front of the Ram collided with the passenger side of the Acura in the westbound lane.

Hendrix sat in the Acura's rear left seat. She was unrestrained at the time of the incident and was taken to a local hospital in severe condition, where she died from her injuries. The driver of the Acura, who was restrained, and three more passengers (seat belt usage uncertain) all received moderate to serious injuries and were sent to area hospitals for treatment.
Cook was also unrestrained, although he was not hurt. He provided a breath sample, which revealed no alcohol in his system and no evidence of impairment. He was ticketed for failing to yield at a stop sign and driving without a seat belt. A standard toxicological sample from the Acura driver was submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for processing. This accident is still being investigated.

Louisiana State Police would like to encourage motorists to slow down and come to a complete stop to ensure there is no cross traffic and to always use their seat belts, regardless of seating position. Simple precautions like these can frequently make the difference between life and death.

So far in 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I has investigated 50 fatal crashes, resulting in 56 deaths.