Caddo Parish – Just before noon on July 23, Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on I-49 northbound, south of LA Highway 170. The crash claimed the life of 82-year-old Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy Lonnie Thacker, of Keithville, who was struck by a suspected distracted driver.

The initial investigation revealed that the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) was investigating a prior crash that involved a lane closure of I-49 northbound. Thacker was sitting in a parked, fully marked CPSO 2010 Chevrolet Impala that was positioned in the right lane with emergency lights activated, for additional visibility, for traffic control. At the same time, a 2021 Kia Seltos, driven by 21-year-old Madison Campbell, of Ida, was traveling on I-49 northbound, approaching the lane closure. Campbell failed to observe the marked unit, which was blocking the lane, and struck the rear of the CPSO unit, causing both vehicles to exit the roadway.

Campbell was restrained at the time of the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Thacker sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash; however, routine toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind all motorists of the dangers of taking your eyes off the road while driving. By taking your attention away from the road, even for a brief moment, you are unable to observe and react to the changing road conditions ahead.

In 2021, Troop G Troopers have investigated 18 fatal crashes, resulting in 19 deaths.