Hicks Man Killed in Vernon Parish Crash

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 489 in the LaCamp community. This crash claimed the life of 42-year-old Michael Wellman of Hicks.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2016 Nissan Frontier, driven by Wellman, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 489. For reasons still under investigation, Wellman failed to negotiate a right hand curve. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment, struck a culvert and a tree, which subsequently caused the vehicle to overturn.

Wellman, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Impairment is not a suspected factor in this crash. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 19 fatal crashes resulting in 21 fatalities.