Unrestrained Man Killed in East Feliciana Parish Crash

Norwood – Shortly before 12:30 am on June 15, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash on LA Hwy 422 east of LA Hwy 19 in East Feliciana Parish. The crash took the life of 27-year-old Edward Slaven III and resulted in the arrest of 27-year-old Edward Slaven IV, both of Denham Springs.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Slaven IV and his two passengers were traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 422 in a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. Slaven III was the front seat passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet ran off the roadway to the right and struck a tree bordering the roadway.

Slaven III was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The rear seat passenger was also unrestrained and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Slaven IV was also unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained moderate injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, Troopers arrested and booked Slaven IV into the East Feliciana Parish Jail for violating LRS 14:32 Negligent Homicide, LRS 14:39 Negligent Injuring, LRS 32:58 Carless Operation, and LRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension. Impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was taken from Slaven IV for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
TFC Taylor J. Scrantz
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
taylor.scrantz@la.gov