Two Drivers Killed in Head-On Crash in West Baton Rouge Parish

Port Allen – On December 30, 2023, shortly after 4:45 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a multi-vehicle fatal crash on LA 76 east of LA 413 in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the lives of 27-year-old Cody Clouatre of St. Amant and 63-year-old Louis Chustz of Port Allen.

The initial investigation revealed that Clouatre was driving a 2011 Ford Escape pulling a boat with a trailer headed west on LA 76 behind a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. At the same time, Chustz was traveling east on LA 76 in a 2006 Ford Focus. For reasons still being investigated, the Escape attempted to pass the Impala in a passing zone and
struck the Focus head-on. The impact caused the Escape to overturn and Clouatre to be ejected. Subsequently, the driver of the Impala struck the boat trailer.

Clouatre was unrestrained at the time of the crash and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Despite being properly restrained, Chustz also succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Impala, who was restrained at the time of the crash, was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. While impairment is unknown, standard toxicology samples were taken from all drivers and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of safe driving behaviors and obeying all traffic laws. 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