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Pine Grove – This morning, shortly before 3:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 16, near LA Hwy 63, in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Natalie Thompson of Denham Springs.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2014 Ford Mustang was eastbound on LA Hwy 16. At the same time, a 1994 Kenworth W900 was also eastbound on LA Hwy 16 behind the Ford. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford traveled onto the right shoulder and then turned left back into the eastbound lane of travel. The Kenworth then struck the Ford.

Thompson was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Thompson was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Kenworth was properly restrained and was uninjured. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance 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.