Coushatta, LA (December 16, 2024) – A tragic vehicle crash occurred shortly after midnight on December 16, 2024, on U.S. Highway 71 near Hughes Road in Red River Parish. The crash resulted in the death of 29-year-old Douglas Ates of Coushatta, and a 15-year-old juvenile sustained injuries.
According to the Louisiana State Police Troop G, the preliminary investigation revealed that Ates was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina southbound on U.S. Hwy 71 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle exited the roadway, overturned, and collided with a tree.
Ates, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The juvenile passenger, also unrestrained, was in the front seat and suffered moderate injuries. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected from Ates and will be submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The crash remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim, and we wish for a full recovery for the injured juvenile.
Traffic Safety and the Importance of Seat Belts
The tragic crash in Coushatta underscores the importance of wearing seatbelts, both for drivers and passengers. Ates, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, lost his life in this accident. The juvenile, although also unrestrained, survived but sustained injuries. This incident highlights how unrestrained occupants are at a significantly higher risk of injury or death in a crash, especially in cases where a vehicle overturns or crashes into a stationary object like a tree.
The Louisiana State Police are continuing their investigation, which will include analyzing toxicology results and any potential road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. In the meantime, local authorities encourage all drivers and passengers to use seatbelts at all times, as they are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in accidents.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial to seek legal support to navigate the aftermath. Local Accident Reports is here to offer resources and help you during this challenging time. Contact us today for more information.