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Jackson – Saturday morning, shortly before 1:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on US 61 near LA 964 in East Feliciana Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the lives of 26-year-old Jaylen Baker and 50-year-old Woodrow Stevenson Jr. of St. Francisville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Baker was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV headed north on US 61.   At the same time, the driver of a 2000 Peterbilt 18-wheeler was making a left turn from LA 964 to US 61 headed southbound.  For reasons still being investigated, Baker struck the rear side of the 18-wheeler’s trailer as it was clearing the northbound lanes.  As a result of the impact, the Trailblazer became trapped under the trailer.

Both occupants in the Trailblazer were unrestrained and succumbed to their injuries.  They were pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver and passenger of the 18-wheeler were properly restrained and neither sustained injuries in the crash.   As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from both drivers 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 your risk of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.