SAINT FRANCISVILLE — A deadly single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning claimed the life of a St. Francisville man in West Feliciana Parish, according to Louisiana State Police. Troopers with State Police Troop A responded shortly after 9:00 a.m. on January 28, 2026, to a crash on Louisiana Highway 10 at the intersection of LA 965 that left a pickup truck destroyed by fire and a community in mourning.
The victim was identified as 49-year-old Jason Freeman of St. Francisville. Authorities said Freeman was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was driving a 1999 Ford F-150 eastbound on LA 10. The crash occurred just east of LA 965 as Freeman approached a slight left-hand curve in the roadway, a stretch that investigators are now closely examining as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to a preliminary report from Louisiana State Police, Freeman failed to properly negotiate the curve for reasons that have not yet been determined. The truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree with significant force. Following the impact, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, leaving little opportunity for rescue efforts once first responders arrived on scene.
Freeman suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers said the damage caused by both the collision and the fire was severe. Because of the extent of the wreckage, investigators were unable to immediately determine whether Freeman was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Officials noted that this detail may remain unclear due to the condition of the vehicle.
State police said impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. However, as is standard procedure in fatal collisions, a routine toxicology sample will be submitted for analysis. Troopers emphasized that the investigation is still active and that additional information may be released once all evidence has been reviewed and analyzed.
Louisiana State Police used the incident to remind drivers of the importance of safe driving, particularly when navigating curves and rural highways. Troopers urge motorists to remain alert, drive at safe speeds, and always wear seatbelts, which can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury. As investigators work to determine exactly what led to the crash, the St. Francisville community is left grieving the sudden and tragic loss of Jason Freeman.
