Merryville man killed in head-on crash in Beauregard

BEAUREGARD PARISH, LA (KPLC) - A Merryville man was killed in a head-on crash in northern Beauregard Parish, Louisiana State Police said.

Gary Blair, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene, Troop D spokesman James Anderson said in a news release.

Blair was traveling north on La. 3226 when the 2006 Chevrolet truck he was driving was struck by a 2010 Ram truck driven by Leesville man Edmond Victor III, 25, who crossed the center line for unknown reasons, Anderson said. The accident happened one mile north of U.S. 190.

Victor was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, Anderson said. Neither man was wearing a seat belt.

Impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were taken, Anderson said.

"Last year in our state, 58 percent of motorists who died in crashes were not wearing a seat belt," Anderson said. "Louisiana law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night.  Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and to always wear their seat belt."

Troop D has investigated 16 fatalities this year, Anderson said.