News Summary
A tragic accident on the Jimmie Davis Bridge resulted in the death of 71-year-old Wayland Bearden from Bossier City. Bearden’s vehicle collided with a semi-truck after veering into the opposite lane. Preliminary investigations suggest he may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash. The bridge was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the incident, urging witnesses to come forward with information.
Shreveport, La. — A deadly head-on collision on the Jimmie Davis Bridge claimed the life of a 71-year-old Bossier City man on Wednesday morning, August 6. Emergency crews responded to the wreck shortly after 11 a.m., but despite attempts at resuscitation, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Wayland Bearden, who was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze when the incident occurred. Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation conducted by the Shreveport Police Department indicate that Bearden was traveling westbound when, for unknown reasons, he veered into the eastbound lane of the bridge. His vehicle collided head-on with a 2020 Kenworth 18-wheeler.
Emergency personnel found Bearden unresponsive upon their arrival. Medical staff attempted life-saving measures; however, they were not successful. Investigators believe Bearden may have experienced a medical issue prior to the collision, as a witness traveling behind him reported observing erratic driving behavior leading up to the crash.
The driver of the Kenworth semi-truck, who was also involved in the incident, was taken to Ochsner LSU Health for evaluation. Reports indicate that he voluntarily submitted to a toxicology test, but authorities do not suspect impairment as a factor in the crash.
Furthermore, investigators have confirmed that Bearden was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, which is another aspect of the case under scrutiny. The witness’s dashcam footage has been provided to law enforcement for further examination, helping shed light on the moments leading up to the tragic event.
Following the collision, the Jimmie Davis Bridge was closed for several hours as emergency crews worked at the scene and conducted their investigation. The investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing, as police continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking accident.
Background Context
Head-on collisions can often result in severe consequences, particularly when larger vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, are involved. Historically, these types of crashes have had devastating outcomes due to the significant weight and mass differentials between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. The importance of wearing seatbelts cannot be overstated, as they are a critical factor in preventing fatalities in the event of an accident. Statistics show that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death for drivers and passengers in a passenger vehicle by 45% in the event of a crash.
The Jimmie Davis Bridge, a key thoroughfare in Shreveport, sees a mix of local and through traffic daily. Its location and traffic volume make it susceptible to accidents, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution among drivers. In light of this incident, local authorities will likely be assessing road safety measures to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Shreveport Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of Six Teenagers
NLCOG Seeks Public Input on Traffic Congestion in Northwest Louisiana
Traffic Congestion Survey Launched in North Louisiana
Bossier City Issues Boil Advisory Alert in Error
Widespread Confusion Over Boil Advisory Alerts in Shreveport
Shreveport Driver Arrested after Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Shreveport Police Investigate Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Tragic Incident Strikes Young Mexican Navy Cadets on Training Ship
Tragic Train Incident in Fremont Claims Lives and Leaves Family in Distress
Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Major Wreck on Jimmie Davis Bridge
- Wikipedia: Head-on Collision
- KTBS: One Person Killed in Crash on Jimmie Davis Bridge
- Google Search: Jimmie Davis Bridge Safety
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Fatal Collision on Shreveport Bridge
- Google Scholar: Head-on Collision Statistics
- Eastern Progress: One Person Killed in Overnight Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
