Unrestrained Driver Killed in St. Helena Parish Crash

Pine Grove - On October 20, 2024, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 16 near LA Hwy 449 in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Carey S. Austin of Independence.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Ford F-150 driven by Austin was traveling west on LA Hwy 16. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford veered off the right side of the roadway before striking a tree.

Austin, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A restrained passenger was critically injured and transported to a local hospital. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Austin for analysis.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
Trooper Marc Gremillion
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section - Troop L
Phone: (225) 877-8417
[email protected]