Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Denham Springs – On November 19, 2022, shortly after 12:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 16 at Vincent Road in Livingston Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the lives of 52-year-old Jerome Johnson of Geismar and 27-year-old Dillon Slaughter of Geismar.

The initial investigation revealed that Johnson was driving a 2016 Toyota Corolla headed west on LA 16.   For reasons still being investigated, the Corolla exited the roadway, struck a telephone pole, and became fully engulfed in flames.

Johnson, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Slaughter, who was a restrained rear passenger, was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.  There was a third occupant in the front passenger seat whose identity is unknown at this time. It is also unknown whether this passenger was restrained at the time of the crash.  As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to always remain buckled in. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in a crash.