Unrestrained Driver Killed, Two Injured in Single-Vehicle Crash in Bienville Parish
Arcadia, LA – May 21, 2025 — A late-night crash on U.S. Highway 80 near Louisiana Highway 9 has resulted in the death of 32-year-old David Gardner of Lucky, Louisiana, and left two others injured, prompting a renewed call from Louisiana State Police for motorists to drive responsibly and buckle up.
The fatal single-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m., when Gardner was driving a 2002 Honda Accord eastbound on U.S. Highway 80. According to Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G, for reasons still under investigation, Gardner’s vehicle veered off the road and struck a culvert, resulting in a devastating impact.
Gardner, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The two passengers riding with Gardner—whose names have not been released—were also unrestrained at the time of the crash. Both sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet provided updates on their current condition.
Preliminary investigative findings suggest that impairment on Gardner’s part is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. Toxicology samples have been collected and are currently undergoing analysis to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
The crash remains under active investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop G.
A Preventable Tragedy
The tragic loss of life and injuries sustained in this incident have once again underscored the critical importance of responsible driving and the life-saving value of seatbelt use. In a statement released Thursday, Louisiana State Police urged motorists across the state to use this tragedy as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in not buckling up and driving under the influence.
“While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly increases your chances of surviving and minimizing injuries,” said a spokesperson for Troop G. “This crash is a heartbreaking example of what can happen when simple safety measures are not taken.”
The agency emphasized that driving while impaired, fatigued, or distracted puts not only the driver at risk but endangers everyone in the vehicle and on the road.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
Residents of Bienville Parish and nearby communities have expressed grief and concern in response to the incident, particularly as it highlights ongoing issues with driver impairment and non-compliance with seatbelt laws in rural Louisiana.
David Gardner, a native of Lucky, was known to many in his tight-knit community. His death has sent ripples of sorrow through the town, with friends and neighbors describing him as a “kind-hearted man who was always willing to help others.” Social media tributes have begun to appear, offering condolences to his family and prayers for the recovery of the injured passengers.
Though Louisiana has implemented seatbelt enforcement initiatives and public awareness campaigns in recent years, compliance remains a challenge in certain regions—especially among adult backseat passengers and during nighttime travel. According to recent state data, nearly 60% of fatalities in vehicle crashes in Louisiana involve occupants who were not wearing seatbelts.
Looking Ahead: Safety First
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances that led to this fatal crash, officials are encouraging all drivers and passengers to reflect on the choices they make before getting behind the wheel or stepping into a vehicle.
“Every seat. Every trip. Every time,” said the Troop G spokesperson. “That’s the message we want to reinforce. A seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. We can’t bring back those lost in this crash, but we can work to prevent future tragedies.”
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop G.
This incident stands as another stark reminder that tragedy on the road can strike in an instant. As the community of Lucky mourns the loss of David Gardner, state authorities hope that his death will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and responsibility behind the wheel.
