St. Francisville, Louisiana – On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the community of St. Francisville was struck by tragedy as 83-year-old Vernon Johnson Sr. lost his life in a fatal two-vehicle crash. The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of US 61 and Rosemound Loop Road, according to reports from the Louisiana State Police.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Johnson was driving a 2013 Toyota Corolla eastbound on Rosemound Loop Road when he approached the intersection with US 61. Despite being properly restrained, Johnson failed to yield at the stop sign and attempted to cross the southbound lanes of the highway. A 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck, traveling southbound on US 61, collided with the driver’s side of Johnson’s vehicle.
Johnson suffered severe injuries from the impact and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Ford truck, who was also properly restrained, was unharmed in the crash. Although impairment is not suspected, standard toxicology samples have been taken as part of the ongoing investigation by the Louisiana State Police.
The loss of Vernon Johnson Sr. has sent shockwaves through the St. Francisville community. On social media, many expressed their condolences and shared memories of Johnson. Audrey Johnson posted, "Prayers for Everyone," while Cherri Bonaventure Decoteau reflected, "Mr. Vernon had stopped at that stop sign and drove those roads probably before the sign was there. Something had to have happened for him not to stop this morning."
Pamela Johnson Granger also shared her sorrow, writing, "So sad. So sorry to hear the news about my cousin Vernon Sr. My prayers for Vernon Jr. and family, Charles Sr. and family, and the rest of the family and friends." Sandra Greene Whitehead added, "Know the intersection well. I drive Hwy 61 almost daily in that area. People coming off of Rosemound Loop sometimes don’t come to a stop at the intersection with Hwy 61. Prayers up for all involved."
As the investigation continues, the Louisiana State Police remind all motorists of the importance of adhering to traffic laws, especially at intersections where yielding to oncoming traffic is crucial. The community of St. Francisville mourns the loss of Vernon Johnson Sr., a respected and beloved member, and their thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.