News Summary
A tragic accident on the Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport resulted in the death of a 71-year-old driver, Wayland Bearden. Preliminary investigations suggest he may have experienced a medical emergency, causing him to veer into oncoming traffic and collide with a semi-truck. Authorities stress the importance of seatbelt use and road safety as they continue their investigation into this unfortunate incident.
Shreveport, Louisiana – A tragic collision on the Jimmie Davis Bridge left a 71-year-old driver dead on Wednesday, August 6, at around 11 a.m. Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene, where the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) managed the situation as the bridge was closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation and cleanup.
The deceased has been identified as Wayland Bearden of Bossier City, who was found unresponsive in his 2015 Chevy Cruze after colliding head-on with a 2020 Kenworth 18-wheeler. Efforts by medical personnel to perform life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Bearden was pronounced dead at the scene, with the coroner’s office later confirming his identity.
Preliminary investigations into the accident indicate that Bearden was driving westbound on the bridge when he suddenly veered into the eastbound lane, leading to the collision with the tractor-trailer. A witness to the incident reported witnessing erratic driving behavior from Bearden prior to the crash, raising suspicions that he may have suffered a medical emergency just before the collision occurred. A dashcam video from the witness will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The driver of the semi-truck was transported to Ochsner LSU Health for evaluation and voluntarily submitted to a toxicology test. Authorities have indicated that they do not suspect any impairment on the part of the truck driver, who was following the rules of the road at the time of the incident.
Additional details reveal that Bearden was not buckled into his seatbelt at the time of the crash, which may have contributed to the severity of the outcome. The investigation, currently led by the Shreveport Police Department, continues as officials seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding Bearden’s sudden lane change and the collision.
The Jimmie Davis Bridge is a major thoroughfare in Shreveport, serving as a vital link for local and regional traffic. The closure of the bridge for several hours following this accident highlights the challenges emergency responders face when dealing with severe collisions like this one.
In light of this incident, authorities are reminded of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of driving without a seatbelt. The devastating outcome of this accident underscores the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies while driving and the tragic toll they can take on individuals and families. As the investigation unfolds, further details may emerge that provide more clarity on events leading up to this fatal collision.
The community and the family of Wayland Bearden are in mourning as they process this unexpected loss. Local officials have extended their condolences, reinforcing the sentiment that safety on the road is a shared responsibility that can prevent such tragedies in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Sees Two Fatal Crashes, One Driver Charged
Fatal Head-On Collision on Jimmie Davis Bridge
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
Shreveport Police Investigate Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Roadway Safety Concerns in Shreveport-Bossier Area
Additional Resources
- KTBS: 1 Person Killed in Crash on Jimmie Davis Bridge
- KSLA: Crews Respond to Major Wreck on Jimmie Davis Bridge
- KTAL: Bossier Man Dies After Head-On Crash at Jimmie Davis Bridge
- Wikipedia: Jimmie Davis Bridge
- Google Search: Jimmie Davis Bridge 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.
