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Prairieville – Last night, shortly after 10 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 10 near LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 25-year-old Evan Newman of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Newman, in a 2006 Nissan Titan, was westbound on Interstate 10. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan traveled off of the roadway and struck an embankment. After striking the embankment, the Nissan then struck a tree.

Newman was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Newman was pronounced deceased on the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Newman 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.