Driver Dead, Passenger Injured in Single-Car Crash Saturday in Vermilion Parish

A single-car crash in Vermilion Parish on Saturday morning claimed the life of a Kaplan man and injured his passenger.

Around 7:30 am, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a crash on Louisiana Highway 82 near Fin Road in Vermilion Parish. 21-year-old Daxton Harrington of Kaplan died in the crash.

During their initial investigation, State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Harrington was driving a 2013 Chevy Malibu west on LA 82. For unknown reasons, the vehicle ran off the roadway, overturned, and struck a tree.

According to State Police, both Harrington and his passenger were unrestrained. Harrington was pronounced dead on the scene. His passenger was ejected from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital where they are listed in critical condition.

Impairment is unknown at this time, but a standard toxicology sample was obtained for analysis.

The crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, State Police reminds everyone that proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Properly worn seat belts also help keep the occupants of vehicles in their seats and protect the head and spine.

Troop I has investigating nine fatal crashes resulting in 10 deaths in 2021.