Unrestrained Coushatta Man Killed in Webster Parish Crash
Heflin – On Friday, December 9, 2022, just before 6:00 a.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a one-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. Hwy 371, just north of LA Hwy 531. This crash claimed the life of 57-year-old Paul Born, who was not wearing a seat belt.
The initial investigation revealed a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Born, was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 371 at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, Born exited the roadway and struck an embankment. This impact caused the Chevrolet to travel through a creek and then strike a tree.
Born, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported to Minden Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash; however, routine toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to obey all speed limit signs and avoid all distractions. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of highway crashes and fatalities. In addition, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance 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.
In 2022, Troop G has investigated 34 fatal crashes, resulting in 37 deaths.
Contact Information:
TFC Jonathan Odom
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs – Troop G
Office: (318) 741-7409
