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On Sunday, shortly after 5 a.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 16 at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 25 in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the lives of Juan Munoz, 29, of Covington, Ramon Munoz, 32, of Covington, and Martin Vega, 22, of Folsom.

LSP Sgt. Dustin Dwight said that the initial investigation led troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Juan Munoz was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado east on Highway 16. As the vehicle approached the intersection of Highway 25, the driver failed to stop and traveled straight ahead, ultimately crashing head-on into a large tree, Dwight said.

Despite being properly restrained, Juan Munoz and the front seat passenger, Ramon Munoz, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The rear seat passenger, Martin Vega, was unrestrained and also sustained fatal injuries in the crash. All three occupants were pronounced deceased on the scene.

As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected and will be submitted for toxicological analysis, Dwight said.

“Speed, impairment, distractions and lack of seatbelt continue to represent contributing factors in crashes investigated by the Louisiana State Police,” Dwight said. “These preventable crashes often have life-altering consequences for all parties involved. Please speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions while driving.”