In the dim early hours of New Year's Day, tragedy struck on a stretch of interstate in Natchitoches Parish, as reported by Louisiana State Police Troop E. A one-vehicle incident claimed the life of a local man, identified as 42-year-old Chad White of Coushatta. Details emerged that the collision occurred at approximately 1:11 a.m. on I-49 north. White, behind the wheel of a 2025 Kia, failed to maintain control of the vehicle, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Preliminary investigation shows that White's Kia veered off I-49, struck a contractor's arrow board, and overturned. White, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. Authorities are continuing to investigate why the car left its travel lane.
White was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained only minor injuries. Louisiana State Police collected a toxicology sample from White, which has been submitted for analysis.
The difference in outcomes highlights the importance of seatbelt use. "Although not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury," Louisiana State Police Troop E reminded the public.
