HAMMOND _ A 21-year-old man died early Sunday after the car he was driving hit a horse standing in the road.
Javonte Lamone Johnson, 21, was driving on La. 1040 near Baker Lane in Tangipahoa Parish at about 3 a.m. Sunday, State Police say.
Johnson’s car was eastbound on the highway, and a dark-colored horse was standing in the eastbound lane, troopers say. Johnson braked and swerved but still struck the horse. The impact caused heavy damage to the windshield and roof of the vehicle, which ran off the left side of the road and overturned, troopers say.
Johnson wasn’t wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the car, troopers say. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is unknown. Blood samples were collected and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Ownership of the horse is part of the ongoing investigation.
Troopers say they would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel: Please take a moment to speak with your loved ones about the importance of their safe decisions. Remind them to always wear a seatbelt, never drive impaired, and to avoid distractions. The conversation could be the difference in a serious crash.
