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Two Avoyelles Parish Men Killed in Head-On Crash, One Unrestrained

Avoyelles Parish – Earlier today, a crash involving two vehicles killed a man from Cottonport and a man from Marksville. The man from Cottonport was not wearing a seat belt. It is unknown if the man from Marksville was wearing a seat belt.

Troopers responded to the crash around 2:50 p.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 29 between Cottonport and Evergreen. The crash involved a 2004 Dodge pickup, driven by Michael F. Isles Jr. (B/M 26 yrs) of Cottonport and a 2005 Dodge pickup, driven by Leon Johnson Jr. (B/M 42 yrs) of Marksville. The 2004 Dodge was southbound on LA Hwy 29 when Isles Jr. lost control and crossed the centerline into the northbound lane. This action resulted in the 2004 Dodge colliding head-on with the northbound 2005 Dodge.

After the collision, the 2004 Dodge came to rest in the roadway while the 2005 Dodge came to rest off the roadway and became engulfed in flames. Both drivers were trapped, in their vehicles, and were pronounced dead on the scene.

Toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of death in motor vehicle crashes.

Troop E Troopers have investigated 46 fatal crashes in 2016, resulting in 52 fatalities.