Clinton, Louisiana - At approximately 5:00 p.m. on October 22, 2023, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A initiated an investigation into a two-vehicle collision that occurred on LA 67 in East Feliciana Parish, south of LA 10. Tragically, the incident resulted in the loss of 17-year-old Morgan Johnson's life, a resident of Ethel, Louisiana.

According to preliminary findings, Johnson was traveling northbound on LA 67 in a 2010 Mazda 6. Concurrently, a 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 was heading south on the same road. The circumstances leading to the accident are still under scrutiny. However, it has been determined that the Mazda failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, veered off the road, and crossed the centerline before colliding head-on with the Dodge.

Regrettably, Johnson, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident, was forcibly ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Consequently, Johnson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge, also unrestrained, sustained minor injuries. Samples for toxicology analysis were collected from both drivers and will be sent for further examination. The investigation into this collision is ongoing.

In light of this distressing event, Louisiana State Troopers feel compelled to remind motorists about the importance of safety measures. While not all accidents can be survived, statistics demonstrate a significantly higher chance of survival when individuals are properly restrained. Acting responsibly while operating motor vehicles, which includes abstaining from impaired driving, ensuring all occupants are securely buckled up, and avoiding distractions, can often be the decisive factor between life and death.