Keatchie, Louisiana - A 34-year-old Texas man died in a two-vehicle crash at a Louisiana highway intersection on September 6, according to Louisiana State Police.
Zapien German of Carthage, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision between his 2000 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2025 Mack Pinnacle truck. The crash occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 169 near the intersection with Louisiana Highway 172.
Louisiana State Police Troop G troopers responded to the incident and began a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
According to the initial investigation, the Mack Pinnacle was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 169 as it approached the Highway 172 intersection. German was driving his Chevrolet Silverado east on Louisiana Highway 172, also approaching the same intersection.
The commercial truck entered the intersection and collided with German's pickup truck, though investigators have not yet determined why the truck proceeded into the intersection. The specific cause of the crash remains under investigation by state police.
German was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was ejected from his vehicle during the impact. He was pronounced deceased at the crash scene.
The driver of the Mack truck was properly restrained and did not sustain any injuries in the crash. Police said impairment is not suspected as a factor in the incident.
As part of standard protocol in fatal crashes, toxicology samples were collected from both drivers and submitted for laboratory analysis. These tests will help investigators determine if alcohol or drugs played any role in the collision.
The intersection of Louisiana Highway 169 and Highway 172 is located in DeSoto Parish in northwestern Louisiana. Highway 169 runs north-south through the parish, while Highway 172 serves as an east-west connector route in the area.
Louisiana State Police continue their investigation into all aspects of the crash. Investigators will examine factors including vehicle speeds, road conditions, visibility, and traffic control devices at the intersection.
The investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as the inquiry progresses.