Unrestrained Driver Killed in Union Parish Crash

Farmerville – On Saturday, December 7, 2024, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F were requested by the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office (UPSO) to investigate a two-vehicle fatal crash which followed a vehicle pursuit. The crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 33 at Louisiana Highway 15. The crash claimed the life of 62-year-old Ernest Mitchell of Farmerville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that UPSO Deputies attempted to stop a 2016 Nissan Frontier for a traffic violation. The driver, Mitchell, began fleeing north on Louisiana Highway 33. At the same time, a 2019 Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 33. For reasons still under investigation, Mitchell attempted to make a right turn onto Louisiana Highway 15 at the same time the Toyota was turning left onto Louisiana Highway 15. As a result, the Nissan struck the Toyota.

Mitchell, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle. He received serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver of the Toyota, who was properly restrained, received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can significantly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Speed increases those forces and the degree of severity of a crash. Please be a responsible driver or passenger and buckle up every ride, every time.

Contact Information:
TFC Ryan Davis
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
[email protected]