A Eunice man died from injuries he suffered when his car collided head-on with an 18-wheeler on La. 13 near Heritage Road at about 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to a Louisiana State Police Troop I news release.
The crash claimed the life of 21-year-old Deonte Walker of Eunice.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Walker, was traveling north on La. 13. At the same time, a 2014 Freightliner 18-wheeler was traveling south on La. 13. For reasons still under investigation, Walker crossed the center line and struck the Freightliner head-on in the southbound lane of travel, State Police stated.
Troopers determined Walker was unrestrained, along with a front seat passenger. Walker and the passenger were both taken to a local hospital where Walker ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His passenger was treated for moderate injuries.
The driver of the Freightliner was properly restrained and was uninjured. He submitted a breath sample which indicated no alcohol in his system and he displayed no signs of impairment.
A toxicology sample was taken from Walker and results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 40 fatal crashes resulting in 44 deaths in 2020.
