A 3-year-old child from Monterey was killed in an ATV crash in Concordia Parish on Saturday afternoon after the vehicle left Louisiana Highway 909 and struck a tree, according to state police. The wreck also left two others with moderate injuries. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the scene at about 2:40 p.m. on July 25 and have opened an investigation.
Louisiana State Police Troop E said the vehicle was a 2022 Can-Am ATV traveling south on LA-909, driven by 23-year-old Jose Zuniga of Houston, when he lost control and the ATV struck a tree, killing the 3-year-old passenger, according to a press release from the Louisiana State Police. Zuniga and an 8-year-old passenger sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
As reported by The Natchez Democrat, the child was pronounced dead at the scene and troopers collected routine toxicology samples to be submitted for analysis. The local paper's coverage, published July 27, echoed information in the state police release and noted that no charges had been announced.
Investigation under way
State police say the crash remains under investigation and that routine toxicology samples were obtained as part of standard procedures, and they urged drivers to use caution on the roads. The agency's release also highlighted that distracted or inattentive operation is a leading cause of crashes across Louisiana.
Why children are especially vulnerable
National safety guidance shows children are at higher risk of serious injury or death in ATV crashes, particularly when they ride adult-sized machines or are carried as passengers on vehicles built for one rider. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children never ride adult ATVs and urges helmet use and training, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has published clinical guidance on preventing pediatric ATV-related deaths and injuries.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Louisiana State Police Troop E. The public affairs number listed in the release is (318) 266-7275. Local authorities encouraged residents with phone or dashcam video from the area of LA-909 near Monterey to share it with investigators as they work to determine contributing factors.
