Mer Rouge – According to Louisiana State Police (LSP), today (Thurs., May 12) at approximately 4:45 a.m., LSP Troop F responded to a one-vehicle crash which occurred on U.S. Highway 425 south of Louisiana Highway 3051 and claimed the life of 20-year-old Ethan J. Nelson of Bastrop.
LSP said the preliminary investigation revealed Nelson was driving north on U.S. Highway 425, in a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet left the roadway, struck a driveway and overturned, ejecting Nelson.
Nelson, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Morehouse Parish Coroner. Nelson’s passengers sustained minor injuries. LSP said impairment is suspected to be a factor. A toxicology sample was submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
LSP officials said they would like to remind all motorists that if they feel differently, they drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. In addition, buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself in a motor vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences, they said. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.
In 2022, Troop F has investigated 10 fatal crashes, which have resulted in 12 fatalities.
