Man struck and killed by car in Tangipahoa Parish

Louisiana State Police say the victim had been involved in an earlier crash before attempting to cross the highway.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the cracks and fractures in the glass conceptually representing the tragic consequences of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on the highway.The aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident on a Louisiana highway exposes the grim reality of the risks faced by those who attempt to cross busy roads.Tangipahoa Today

A 26-year-old man was killed after being struck by a car while trying to cross the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, March 28. The man, identified as Austin Gentry of Independence, had been involved in an earlier crash on the southbound side of the interstate before exiting his vehicle and attempting to cross the highway, where he was then hit by a Toyota Corolla.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of pedestrians attempting to cross busy highways, especially after being involved in a previous accident. It also raises questions about road safety and whether more should be done to prevent such fatal crashes.

The details

According to the Louisiana State Police, Gentry had been involved in an earlier crash on the southbound side of Interstate 55 before exiting his vehicle and trying to cross the northbound lanes. As he was attempting to cross, he was struck by a 2010 Toyota Corolla. Gentry suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Gentry had been involved in an earlier crash on the southbound side of Interstate 55 before the fatal incident.

The players

Austin Gentry

A 26-year-old man from Independence, Louisiana who was killed after being struck by a car while attempting to cross Interstate 55.

Louisiana State Police

The law enforcement agency that investigated the fatal crash and provided details about the incident.

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What’s next

The Louisiana State Police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the risks pedestrians face when attempting to cross busy highways, especially after being involved in a previous accident.