Unrestrained Driver and Passenger Killed in Beauregard Parish Crash

DeRidder – On July 12, 2024, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D began investigating a single-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. 171 near Willow Branch Road in Beauregard Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 59-year-old Ellory “Butch” Burgess Jr. of Longville and 29-year-old Cody Goode of Dry Creek.

The preliminary investigation revealed Burgess was driving a 2000 Peterbilt dump truck southbound on U.S. 171 near Willow Branch Road. For reasons still under investigation, the dump truck left the roadway to the right and traveled through a ditch where it turned onto its right side. The dump truck continued sliding into a wooded tree line where it struck several trees.

Both Burgess and Goode were un-restrained at the time of the crash and were ejected from the vehicle. They received fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. A juvenile passenger, who was also unrestrained at the time of the crash, was partially ejected and transported to an area hospital with moderate injuries.

Standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers would like to remind motorists that Louisiana law requires every occupant in the vehicle to be properly restrained when the vehicle is underway. 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.

Troop D has investigated 8 fatal crashes resulting in 9 fatalities in 2024.

Contact Information:

TPR Matt Gaspard

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section – Troop D

Office: (337) 491-2513

[email protected]