Man killed when pickup crosses U.S 90 median

A Franklin man died early Saturday when his pickup crossed the U.S. 90 median and hit another truck head-on, Louisiana State Police Troop i said.

The deceased was identified as John Tardy, 59.

The call came to Troop I shortly after 2:30 a.m. Saturday. The preliminary investigation revealed Tardy was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram east on U.S. 90 near Four Corners Road. At the same time, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was being driven west on U.S. 90. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram crossed the median and struck the Silverado head-on in the westbound lane, Troop I said.

Tardy was unrestrained and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was pronounced dead by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Silverado was also unrestrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.

Impairment is unknown, but standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. Results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers reminded motorists always to make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued,or distracted; always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 38 fatal crashes resulting in 43 deaths in 2023.