Troy Bates dies in fatal Louisiana head-on collision

Troy Bates dies in fatal Louisiana head-on collision

Fatal Louisiana head-on collision death of Troy Bates

A 24-year-old man from West Monroe, Louisiana, Troy Bates, lost his life Tuesday morning in a head-on crash on Louisiana Highway 557.

The Louisiana State Police reported that the collision happened just north of Marvin Head Road when a 2004 Toyota Camry, driven by 19-year-old Avery Watson, was traveling north behind a log truck. Bates was driving a 2014 Ford Focus heading south on the same highway.

Watson attempted to pass the log truck when it was unsafe, resulting in the Toyota striking Bates’ vehicle head-on in the southbound lane. Bates, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Watson, properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Though impairment is not suspected, toxicology tests were collected as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors.