Lake Providence, La. (8/29/2023) – On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, shortly before 8:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 877 at LA Hwy 580. The crash claimed the life of 3-year-old Tavorious Hopkins of Lake Providence.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Dodge Caravan, driven by 55-year-old John Vaughn Jr., was traveling south on LA Hwy 877. At the same time, a 2012 Freightliner towing a grain trailer was traveling east on LA Hwy 580. For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge failed to yield at the stop sign located on LA Hwy 877 at LA Hwy 580. As a result of this action, the Dodge traveled into the path of the Freightliner and was struck.
Hopkins, who was improperly restrained, was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Both drivers were properly restrained and received minor injuries. A second-row passenger, in the Dodge, was not properly restrained and received moderate injuries. Vaughn and the additional passenger were transported to a local area hospital for treatment.
Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Follow all traffic laws and always ensure that every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
For all information related to car seat safety and traveling safely with children in the vehicle, please contact your nearest Public Information Officer at LSP. For additional information related to child passenger safety, visit Buckle Up Louisiana’s Facebook page and/or www.lahighwaysafety.org.
In 2023, Troop F has investigated 24 fatal crashes, resulting in 27 deaths.
