Troop A Troopers Investigate Three Separate Fatal Crashes Overnight

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
March 13, 2025

Troop A Troopers Investigate Three Separate Fatal Crashes Overnight
Within six hours, Louisiana State Police Troopers investigated three separate fatal crashes in the Troop A area, resulting in four fatalities.

Baton Rouge – Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on March 12, 2025, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 30 near Bluebonnet Blvd in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 24-year-old Jeremiah Downing and 22-year-old Hunter LaGrange of Hahnville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that officers with the St. Gabriel Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Downing, for speeding on LA 30. Downing refused to stop and continued traveling west on LA 30 at a high rate of speed in an attempt to evade officers. As Downing approached the intersection of Bluebonnet Blvd, a 2016 GMC Sierra was traveling east on LA 30, attempting to turn left onto Bluebonnet Blvd. Downing traveled through the intersection while a red signal light was displayed and collided with the Sierra head-on.

Downing was unrestrained, sustained serious injuries, and was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Hunter LaGrange, a passenger in the Camaro, was also unrestrained and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Sierra was restrained, suffered serious injuries, and was transported to a local hospital. Impairment is an unknown factor at this time; however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Paulina – Shortly after 8:15 p.m. on March 12, 2025, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 70 near LA 3125 in St. James Parish. The crash claimed the life of 37-year-old Demaricus Kensie of Donaldsonville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Kensie, was traveling east on LA 70. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep traveled off the roadway to the right and overturned.

Kensie was unrestrained, ejected from the vehicle, and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Impairment is unknown at this time; however, a standard toxicology sample will be taken and submitted for analysis. A juvenile passenger in the Jeep sustained serious injuries during the crash and was transported to a local hospital. This crash remains under investigation.

Prairieville – Just before 1:30 a.m. on March 13, 2025, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 westbound near mile marker 170 (near LA 928 overpass) in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Dwayne Jackson of New Orleans.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Nissan Titan, driven by Jackson, was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 near mile marker 170 in the right lane. At the same time, a 2025 Freightliner tractor-trailer was attempting to enter the roadway from the right shoulder. For reasons still under investigation, the front of the Titan struck the rear of the Freightliner.

Jackson was unrestrained, suffered severe injuries, and was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Freightliner was properly restrained and was uninjured. Impairment is unknown; however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash is still under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving: avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions. Follow traffic laws and ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. While not all crashes are preventable, simple precautions like these can save lives.

Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]