On July 15, 2022, just before 1:00 am, Louisiana State Police troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 16 southbound, south of LA 64 in Livingston Parish. A 33-yr-old from Denham Springs was killed in the crash.
The initial investigation revealed that a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was responding to a call of service in fully marked 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The deputy was headed south in the left lane on LA 16 when the deputy crashed into the rear end of a 2004 Saturn Ion.
For reasons still under investigation, the Saturn was completely stopped in the left lane of travel prior to the crash.
The driver of the Saturn, Christinia Estave of Denham Springs, was transported to a hospital but died from her injuries.
Several witnesses have said Estave was completely stopped in the left lane of travel and did not have on any lights to her vehicle, making it very difficult for others drivers to see her.
State Police said Estave was not buckled at the time of the crash. Troopers further said impairment is suspected on Estave’s part.
The deputy was also unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries. Troopers said although impairment is not suspected on the deputy’s part, a toxicology sample was taken per normal procedure.
“My thoughts & prayers are with the families of all those involved,” said LPSO Sheriff Jason Ard. “Please know that we are fully cooperating with Louisiana State Police in its ongoing investigation. As we all await more details, I have been made aware that the deputy was unrestrained. That is a concern for me & will be addressed.”
When I was being trained as a road deputy, my trainers NEVER were restrained. They said that it made it easier to exit the vehicle on a call.