Published: 04-12-2026 | Category: Troop I
Arnaudville – On April 6, 2026, shortly before 12:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a serious injury single vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 686 Frontage Road near Louisiana Highway 347 in St. Martin Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 19-year-old Jamison Phillips of Arnaudville.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Ram 1500 was traveling east on LA Hwy 686 while pulling a utility trailer. Phillips was riding in the trailer, which was being used to transport a mattress. For reasons still under investigation, Phillips was ejected from the trailer into the roadway.
Phillips sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and reported no injuries. Routine toxicology samples were collected from the driver and submitted for analysis.
On April 11, 2026, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified that Phillips succumbed to his injuries. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana law prohibits riding in unsafe areas of a vehicle, such as on running boards, tailgates, fenders, or other exterior parts not designed for passengers. Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from riding in the bed of a pickup truck or in a utility trailer while traveling on a public roadway, and no one is allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup truck on an interstate highway. Trailers and similar equipment are not designed to carry people and do not have seats, seat belts, or protection. Sudden stops, turns, or bumps in the road can easily throw someone from a trailer, even at low speeds. Buckle up every seat, every ride, every time.
Contact Information:
Trooper Monique Lavergne
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262- 5880
[email protected]