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Holden – On July 18, 2023, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 441 north of Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 22-year-old James Ard of Holden.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle was headed north on LA 441.  For reasons still being investigated, the driver of the Beetle failed to negotiate a left hand curve, exited the roadway, and struck a tree.  The impact caused all occupants to be ejected from the vehicle.

Ard, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.  The two other unrestrained occupants were transported to local hospitals, having sustained severe injuries in the crash.  At this time, we do not know which occupant was the driver.  A toxicology sample was obtained from Ard and will be submitted for chemical analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your risk of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.