EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LA — A devastating single-vehicle crash Monday night has claimed the lives of three people in the Gardere area of southern East Baton Rouge Parish, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.
The victims have been partially identified. Zacariah Johnson, 20, and Marquis Duncan Jr., 15, were confirmed dead at the scene. A third victim, a 30-year-old man, was initially transported to a local hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. His name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. on April 6, 2026, south of Gardere Lane on River Road, which runs along the east bank of the Mississippi River levee. Authorities reported that a northbound vehicle failed to navigate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a utility pole. Investigators noted that speed may have been a contributing factor, and toxicology results are pending.
Following the collision, the St. George Fire Department closed River Road from L’Auberge Crossing to the parish line, directing drivers to alternate routes. The crash scene is near the L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, a local landmark along the Mississippi River.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, assisted by other local agencies. Authorities have not yet released the make or model of the vehicle, the total number of occupants, or additional details about the crash.
The tragic loss has deeply affected the Gardere community, an unincorporated area with roughly 10,500 residents, located about 8 miles south of downtown Baton Rouge. The area, also known as Riverland, is part of Louisiana’s most populous parish, home to approximately 460,000 people. Interstate 10 and Interstate 12 intersect within the parish, making it a key transportation hub in southeastern Louisiana.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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