Published: 09-12-2026 | Category: Fatal Crash
Independence – On September 12, 2026, at 5:20 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Highway 40 at Huck Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 38-year-old James M. Crawford of Albany.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Kia Soul, driven by Crawford, was traveling west on LA Highway 40. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert.
Crawford, the sole occupant, was unrestrained, ejected from the vehicle, and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers remind motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive 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) 893-6250
[email protected]