Monroe Teen Killed in Ouachita Parish Crash, Speed a Suspected Factor
Published 5:10 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023
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Monroe – On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a single-vehicle crash which occurred on Louisiana Highway 553 near Moon Lake Road. This crash claimed the life of 17-year-old James Michael Sykes.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Sykes was traveling north at a high rate of speed on Louisiana Highway 553 in a 2008 Toyota Tundra. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle exited the roadway and struck a tree.
Sykes, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
When a motorist speeds, they greatly increase the forces of impact should they be involved in a crash, thus decreasing the effectiveness of occupant protection systems like seat belts and airbags. Speeding also increases stopping distances and decreases amount of time allowed to react to changing road conditions.
Troop F has investigated three fatal crashes resulting in three deaths in 2023.
