Published: 08-22-2026 | Category: Fatal Crash
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE
August 22, 2026
Volunteer Firefighter Killed in Single-Vehicle Vermilion Parish Crash
Kaplan – On August 21, 2026, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 14 near West Pirates Lane. The crash claimed the life of 49-year-old Robert Hughes of Kaplan.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Hughes, a volunteer firefighter, was driving a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe east on Louisiana Highway 14 while responding to an emergency call for service. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai failed to negotiate a left-hand curve and entered a ditch.
Hughes, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The passenger, who was also unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminds motorists that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires every occupant, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, properly wearing a seat belt can often mean the difference between life and death.
Contact Information:
Trooper Roy Jones
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2511