Ford F-250 struck the LaPlace resident as he walked southbound in the center lane
November 14, 2025 | Laplace, LA
In LaPlace, Louisiana, a tragic hit-and-run incident on U.S. Highway 61 claimed the life of 59-year-old Darius Crump, a local resident, early on a Friday morning.
The Louisiana State Police are leading the ongoing investigation into the collision that also resulted in the arrest of the suspected driver.
Darius Crump, 59, of LaPlace, died at the scene of a hit-and-run crash involving a Ford F-250 on U.S. Highway 61 in LaPlace.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred when a Ford F-250, driven by a 24-year-old from Hammond, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 61 around 6 a.m. The vehicle struck Crump, who was walking southbound in the center lane. Crump was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Victim: Darius Crump, 59, of LaPlace
- Location: U.S. Highway 61, LaPlace, Saint John the Baptist Parish
- Vehicle Involved: Ford F-250
- Driver: 24-year-old Hammond resident, arrested for hit-and-run and obstruction of justice
- Time: Approximately 6 a.m.
- Outcome: Driver fled briefly before being apprehended at home and booked into St. John the Baptist Parish jail
The driver stopped momentarily after the impact but then fled north on the highway.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen on Highways Like This?
Hit-and-run crashes often stem from factors such as poor visibility, high speeds, and pedestrian vulnerabilities on busy roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road conditions, signage, and lighting play critical roles in these incidents.
Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics
Hit-and-run fatalities remain a significant concern on U.S. roads. Below is a summary of recent data from the NHTSA:
Year |
Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Total Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2023 |
2,872 |
Down 100 (from 2,972 in 2022) |
2022 |
2,972 |
Not Available |
This decline, though modest, indicates potential progress in enforcement and awareness efforts. Officials estimate the total number of hit-and-run crashes dropped to around 2,800 in 2023.
Legal Insights
Newsline, consulted national legal analysts for expert perspectives on hit-and-run cases.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Added Bond, national analyst for Newsline, “Drivers must always exercise extreme care behind the wheel, as failure to do so can result in serious crashes, injuries, or even death.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Thorough investigations are essential to identify negligence in pedestrian hit-and-runs.
- Factors like highway design and driver behavior must be evaluated.
- Families deserve comprehensive support to pursue justice in such tragedies.
In cases such as this involving potential wrongful death, affected families may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).