Beauregard Parish, Louisiana – An unrestrained passenger was killed after being ejected in a single-vehicle crash on LA 112 in Beauregard Parish.

At around 9:45 in the morning on August 28th, 2023,  Louisiana State Police Troop D was called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash near the crossroads of Louisiana Highways 112 and 1146 in Beauregard Parish. Tragically, Si Gabriel Sonnier, an 18-year-old from Port Barre, Louisiana lost his life in the incident.

The preliminary inquiry showed that the operator of a 2015 Freightliner utility vehicle (bucket truck), was driving westward on LA 112. As the truck neared the intersection, it veered off the right side of the road. The driver attempted to rectify the situation but overcompensated, causing the truck to cross the oncoming traffic lane and flip over. This incident resulted in Sonnier being thrown out of the vehicle.

According to authorities, Sonnier was not properly restrained at the time of the crash, suffered lethal injuries, and was declared dead at the location. 

The driver, who was appropriately secured, suffered moderate harm and was taken to a local hospital for medical care. A sample was taken from the driver for toxicology testing and will be analyzed. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.

LSP indicated that the act of fastening your seat belt is the most potent preventive measure a person can take to lessen the chance of harm in a collision. According to Louisiana’s state law, it’s mandatory for all individuals in a vehicle, no matter where they’re seated, to have their seat belts fastened at all times, whether it’s daytime or nighttime. The process is brief, taking just 3 seconds. Therefore, it’s crucial to always have your seat belt on, regardless of the journey or its timing.

So far in 2023, Troop D has conducted investigations into 20 deadly crashes, which led to the loss of 22 lives.