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Arabi – On January 5, 2022, shortly after 3:30 am, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a single vehicle crash on LA 39 (W. Judge Perez Drive) near Center Street in Arabi. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 35-year-old Johnathan M. Franklin of New Orleans.

The initial investigation revealed that Franklin was driving a 2012 Volkswagen Passat west on Judge Perez Drive in the right lane at a high rate of speed. Franklin lost control of the Volkswagen as it began to rotate across the left lane of LA 39, before striking a tree in the median.

Franklin was unrestrained at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger was also unrestrained, suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted for analysis as a part of the ongoing investigation.

Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. Impairment continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes. Have a plan and designate a driver before you decide to drink. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash. Having a plan and making safe decisions could be the difference for tomorrow.