Unrestrained Driver Killed in St. Helena Parish Crash (4)

Amite – On March 20, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 1045 near Opal Bennett Road in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Darrel L. Cyprian Jr. of Greensburg.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Cadillac ATS, driven by Cyprian, was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 1045. For reasons still under investigation, Cyprian failed to negotiate a right-hand curve. As a result, the Cadillac veered off the roadway into the eastbound ditch, colliding with a tree.

Cyprian, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Cyprian for analysis.

Troopers remind motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every occupant of a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain properly restrained at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contact Information:
Trooper Marc Gremillion
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop L
Phone: (985) 302-9272
[email protected]