ST. JAMES PARISH– Shortly after 8:30 a.m. Friday, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a three-vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality on Highway 70 east of Highway 3125 in St. James Parish. The crash took the life of Daren Taylor, 57,of Donaldsonville.

Initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Taylor was traveling eastbound on Highway 70 in a 2014 Buick Enclave, according to Louisiana State Police. At the same time, a 2020 Kenworth tractor trailer and a 2007 Hyundai Tiburon were traveling westbound on Highway 70. For reasons still under investigation, Taylor crossed the centerline and struck the Kenworth tractor trailer. This caused the driver of the Hyundai to swerve to the right to avoid striking the tractor trailer. As a result, the Hyundai entered a ditch and struck a culvert.

Despite the fact that he was properly restrained, Taylor sustained fatal injuries. All other parties were properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. Impairment is unknown at this time, but routine toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted for further analysis.

This crash remains under investigation, and there is no further information at this time, authorities said.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.

For more information, contact Louisiana State Police Public Affairs at 225-754-8524 or follow Louisiana State Police on Facebook and Twitter.