Cloutierville, LA (6/2/2024) – On Saturday, June 1, 2024, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 southbound, just north of Louisiana Highway 119. The incident resulted in the death of 59-year-old Robert Pettway of Glenmora.
According to the initial investigation, Pettway was driving a 2022 Kenworth commercial motor vehicle southbound on Interstate 49. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the right side of the road and struck a culvert.
Pettway sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. It is currently unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be analyzed. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Louisiana State Police urge motorists to always make responsible decisions while driving. This includes avoiding impaired, fatigued, or distracted driving, adhering to all traffic laws, and ensuring that all occupants are properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, these precautions can significantly increase the chances of survival.
In 2024, Troop E has investigated 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 deaths.
