Franklinton, LA- Shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on LA 450 at the intersection of LA 440 in Franklinton. The crash has claimed the life of 54-year-old Mandeville resident John E. Seibert.

The initial on-scene investigation led troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Seibert was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on LA 450. Seibert came to a stop at the intersection of LA 440. After stopping at the stop sign, Seibert turned left onto LA 440. When Seibert turned, he failed to yield and pulled directly into the path of a 2004 Peterbuilt log truck, which was traveling westbound on LA 440. The log truck was driven by 44-year-old Steven R. Fairburn of Kentwood. The front of the log truck impacted the left front fender of the Tahoe, causing the Tahoe to exit the roadway and overturn onto its driver side.

Despite being properly restrained, Seibert sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced deceased on-scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.

A front seat passenger in Seibert’s Tahoe, 44-year-old Dorothy B. Madden of Covington, sustained moderate injuries in the crash. She was flown to North Oaks Health Systems by Oschner Rescue.

Fairburn, the driver of the log truck, was not injured in the crash.

All occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash and impairment is presently not being considered as a contributing factor. Fairburn provided Troopers with a voluntary breath sample, which showed no trace amounts of alcohol present. Troopers did obtain blood samples from Seibert, the samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While not every crash is survivable, troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.  Please, speak to your loved ones and make sure that they are wearing their seatbelts every trip, every time. Make sure that they are avoiding distractions, and never drive impaired. The conversation you have could make all the difference tomorrow.