On Monday, October 26, 2020, just after 10:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on I-12 westbound at LA 434. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified male driving a 1994 Toyota pickup. The driver of the 1994 Toyota pickup was later identified as 25-year-old Cesar H. Depaz of Pineville Kentucky.
The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the Toyota was westbound on I-12 in the right lane when an additional 1984 Toyota it was towing became unhitched. The 1984 Toyota was still partially attached by an improvised safety chain and began to drift left and right where it impacted a 2014 Audi A7. The Toyota then exited the roadway where it overturned and impacted a light pole. The driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.
Both drivers were properly restrained during the crash and impairment is not suspected to be a factor. As part of the ongoing investigation, a blood sample was collected from the driver of the Toyota for scientific analysis.
