Early Friday morning in rural Morrow, Louisiana Highway 29 became the scene of a deadly two‑vehicle collision that took the life of 68‑year‑old Steven Ducote. The crash happened around 7:15 a.m. near where Highway 29 meets Highway 115, a stretch of road known for long straightaways and fast‑moving traffic. Authorities say Ducote’s southbound pickup crossed the centerline and slammed head‑on into a northbound tractor‑trailer.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but Ducote, who was wearing his seatbelt, suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead on the spot. The driver of the big rig also wore a seatbelt and escaped with minor injuries, treated at the scene before being released. State police collected toxicology samples, but investigators have not yet determined what caused Ducote’s truck to veer across the centerline.
Friends and neighbors describe Ducote as a familiar figure in the tight‑knit community around Morrow. Known for his easy smile and willingness to lend a hand, he spent decades around these parts, forging bonds that stretched from town gatherings to casual waves at the local feed store. His sudden death has hit home hard for many who knew him.
The crash underlines the dangers of rural highways in central Louisiana. Roads like Highway 29 tie small communities together but offer few barriers between opposing lanes of traffic. A moment’s inattention, an unexpected obstacle or a mechanical issue can send a vehicle into oncoming traffic with devastating results.
Louisiana State Police continue their investigation, urging drivers to stay alert, slow down on unfamiliar stretches and always buckle up. They remind motorists that even when conditions seem calm, hazards can appear without warning on two‑lane rural roads.
Those who knew Ducote are left grappling with the abrupt end to a life rooted deeply in Morrow. Stories of backyard barbecues, shared jokes and quiet acts of kindness now mingle with shock and sorrow. His family has asked for privacy as they begin to make arrangements and cope with their loss.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, the echo of this crash serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be on rural highways and how quickly a familiar face can be taken from those who loved them.
