DeSoto Parish, LA — Two men lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision early Thursday morning on Louisiana Highway 175 near Scott Road, according to Louisiana State Police Troop G.
Troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:20 a.m., where they discovered that both drivers had sustained fatal injuries.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by 49-year-old Carlos Helm of Mansfield, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 175. At the same time, a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by 39-year-old Alonzo Thompkins of Arlington, Texas, was traveling south on the highway.
For reasons that remain under investigation, the Chevrolet Traverse crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Tahoe. The impact of the crash was severe, leaving both vehicles heavily damaged.
Despite both drivers wearing their seat belts, Helm and Thompkins suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Louisiana State Police said impairment is not suspected to have contributed to the crash. However, as is standard procedure in fatal crashes, routine toxicology samples were collected from both drivers and submitted for analysis.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as troopers continue working to determine what caused the Traverse to cross into the opposing lane.
Authorities extend their condolences to the families and loved ones of both victims and remind motorists to remain alert, avoid distractions, and always drive safely.
