Louisiana State Police have identified Collin Smith, a 22-year-old resident of Rosedale (and Port Allen), as the victim of a fatal head-on collision that occurred on Thursday morning, April 16, 2026, in Iberville Parish.

Details of the Accident
Time and Location: The crash occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. on LA Highway 77, just north of Horseshoe Bend Road near Grosse Tete.

The Incident: Smith was driving a 2013 Buick Enclave southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, he crossed the centerline into the northbound lane. This led to a head-on collision with an oncoming 2008 Kenworth tractor-trailer (log truck).

The Aftermath: Upon impact, both the Buick and the tractor-trailer traveled off the roadway and into a tree line, where they became engulfed in flames.

Outcome: Collin Smith sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the log truck managed to escape the burning vehicle and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

Ongoing Investigation
Louisiana State Police Troop A is leading the investigation into the crash. Key factors being examined include:

Stolen Vehicle Inquiry: Law enforcement officials are investigating reports that the vehicle Smith was driving had been reported stolen from a family member in West Baton Rouge Parish shortly before the accident.

Toxicology: While impairment is not yet confirmed, routine toxicology samples have been submitted for analysis as part of the standard investigative process.

Restraint Usage: Due to the severity of the fire damage, investigators were unable to immediately determine if either driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Community Impact
Tributes for Collin have begun to appear on social media, with friends and family members describing him as a young man with a “bright soul” and an infectious personality. He was a familiar face in the Port Allen and Rosedale communities.

Formal obituary and funeral arrangements are being handled by his family and are expected to be announced in the coming days as the investigation continues.