Three-Vehicle Crash Claims the Lives of Three in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge – This morning, shortly before 10:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a three-vehicle crash on LA 408 near Foster Road in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the lives of 76-year-old Johnny Duncan, 67-year-old Mary Fox, and 48-year-old Jennifer Pate of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed that Duncan was driving a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup headed west in an eastbound lane on LA 408. At the same time, Fox was traveling east on LA 408 in a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. For reasons still being investigated, the Dodge Ram continued traveling west in the eastbound lane, struck the Silverado head-on and exited the roadway into the median. The impact caused the Silverado to spin, at which point a 1999 Dodge Ram struck the Silverado.

Duncan was not restrained at the time of the crash and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Despite being restrained, Fox and Pat also succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The rear passenger of the Silverado was restrained and subsequently transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries from the crash. The driver of the 1999 Dodge Ram was unrestrained and sustained minor injuries in the crash. Routine toxicology samples were collected from all drivers and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your risk 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.

Contact Information:

TPR Christian Reed

Louisiana State Police – Troop A

Public Affairs Section

Office: (225) 754-8524

Christian.Reed2@la.gov