In remembrance of Eric Linden, a Lake Charles man killed in a single-vehicle collision close to Black Bayou Bridge

 A Lake Charles man lost his life in a single-vehicle collision on Sunday morning, and authorities are looking into the incident. The event happened on Louisiana Highway 384, close to the Black Bayou Bridge, in the Deatonville area, just before 11 a.m., according to the Louisiana State Police. Lake Charles resident Eric Linden, 45, has been confirmed as the victim.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Linden was traveling south on La. 384 in a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado in the direction of the blocked bridge when his car collided with a crossing arm that was in front of it. The truck overturned as a result of the collision, causing significant damage. After receiving many reports on the collision, emergency personnel quickly arrived on the site. After being taken to a neighboring hospital, Linden was subsequently declared dead from his wounds, despite the efforts of the medical staff.

In order to ascertain whether any impairing chemicals played a role in the collision, Linden provided police with a standard toxicological sample as part of the continuing inquiry. Authorities stressed that all fatal accidents follow this protocol. The findings will assist in determining the conditions under which the car struck the barrier and overturned, in conjunction with other investigating findings.

Roadway conditions, vehicle performance, and driver behavior are just a few of the variables that investigators are now examining. Officials are examining if warning signs or barriers may have contributed to the event because access to the area of La. 384 near the Black Bayou Bridge is restricted because of its closure. There are currently no signs of foul play.

Traffic in the area was momentarily halted by the collision while rescuers cleared debris and made sure the road was safe. Traffic flow resumed as usual when the car was removed and the scene was cleared. People in the area have offered condolences to Linden's family, recalling him as a beloved community member.

Drivers are being advised by authorities to exercise caution and heed any posted warnings and road closures, particularly in the vicinity of restricted areas or construction sites. According to the Louisiana State Police, the sad event emphasizes the need for caution on state routes and shows how rapidly accidents may happen. The inquiry is still ongoing, and when it is finished, further information will be made public.