North Carolina Teen Killed at LA‑1032 & Hunter’s Way | Jan 30, 2026

Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)

This blog contains general legal and safety information and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts.

Last reviewed / updated: February 25, 2026

Reviewed, updated, and authored by: Stephen Babcock, Louisiana trial lawyer

Facts our law firm has been able to confirm about this accident:

Summary

Louisiana State Police Troop A reports that shortly before midnight on January 30, 2026, a two-vehicle crash occurred at LA 1032 and Hunter’s Way in Livingston Parish near Denham Springs.^{[^1][^2][^3]}

Troopers reported that 18-year-old Cayden Callihan of Whiteville, North Carolina died at the scene and the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries, while the investigation remains ongoing.^{[^1][^2][^3]}

What we know so far

• The crash was reported shortly before midnight on January 30, 2026, at the intersection of LA 1032 and Hunter’s Way in Livingston Parish (Denham Springs area).^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• LSP reported it was a two-vehicle crash investigated by Troop A.^{[^1]}
• LSP reported the crash claimed the life of 18-year-old Cayden Callihan of Whiteville, North Carolina.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• According to LSP’s preliminary findings, Callihan was traveling east on Hunter’s Way and the other vehicle was traveling south on LA 1032 before the collision occurred.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• LSP identified the vehicles as a 2008 Honda Accord and a 2022 Ford F-150.^{[^1][^3]}
• LSP said that, for reasons still under investigation, the Honda attempted a left turn onto LA 1032 and entered the Ford’s path, and the Ford struck the Honda on its left side.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• LSP reported both drivers were properly restrained; the Ford driver sustained minor injuries.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• LSP stated impairment is not suspected, and that routine toxicology samples will be obtained and submitted for analysis.^{[^1][^2]}

What’s still being investigated / not confirmed

• Troopers stated the reasons for the Honda entering the Ford’s path are still under investigation, so the final findings may add or clarify contributing factors.^{[^1]}
• Toxicology testing was described as pending (samples to be obtained and submitted), and results have not been released in the initial reports we reviewed.^{[^1][^2]}
• The investigation was reported as ongoing, and additional details can change as investigators complete their work and finalize documentation.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• The initial LSP release focuses on the preliminary sequence and does not address citations or charges; those issues (if any) are typically clarified later, if they are publicly released.^{[^1]}

Where this happened

LSP reported the crash location as the intersection of LA 1032 and Hunter’s Way in Livingston Parish, described in early coverage as the Denham Springs area.^{[^1][^2][^3]}

Official agencies involved & how crash reports typically work in Louisiana

In this case, Louisiana State Police Troop A stated it responded and is investigating the crash.^{[^1]}

In Louisiana, drivers involved in a crash resulting in injury/death (or property damage above the statutory threshold) must immediately notify the appropriate local police department, sheriff’s office, or state police station and provide identifying information as required by law.^{[^6]}

For crashes handled by Louisiana State Police, LSP explains that crash reports are processed and can be requested by the public, insurers, and attorneys, and that people should generally allow about fifteen working days after the crash before requesting reports or photographs; LSP also states that fatal crash reports are not available online and must be purchased in person at a local Troop Office.^{[^4][^5]}

LSP further notes that fatality crashes require a sixty-day waiting period before photo requests can be submitted.^{[^5]}

If you need a report for a crash worked by a city police department or sheriff’s office, the request process may differ; the LSP online portal states it only includes crashes worked by Louisiana State Police.^{[^4]}

Background about these types of accidents

Crashes at intersections are a nationwide safety concern because intersections create multiple “conflict points” where paths cross. The Federal Highway Administration notes that roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about one-half of traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections each year.^{[^14]}

Why intersections and left turns can be especially dangerous

One of the main severe crash types at intersections involves a vehicle turning left across opposing through traffic. FHWA’s safety guidance on dedicated turn lanes specifically identifies left-turn-across-opposing-traffic collisions as a key crash type these countermeasures are designed to reduce.^{[^15]}

Seat belts and restraint use still matter in every crash

Even when a crash cannot be avoided, seat belts reduce the risk of catastrophic injury. NHTSA reports that buckling up in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% (and in a light truck, by 60%).^{[^13]}

In this crash, LSP reported both drivers were properly restrained. LSP also reminded motorists to avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions and to ensure everyone is properly restrained.^{[^1]}

Louisiana’s Highway Safety Commission similarly emphasizes that wearing a seat belt is required and is one of the most important ways to protect yourself in a crash (always check current rules, as enforcement and penalties can change over time).^{[^16]}

Steps that can help after a suspected hit-and-run

If you believe the other driver may leave (or has left) the scene, safety comes first. The following is general safety information, not medical or legal advice.^{[^17]}

• Move to a safer location if you can do so safely, and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if needed.^{[^17]}
• Do not chase the fleeing driver; instead, focus on remembering details like the vehicle description, direction of travel, and any part of the license plate you can safely observe.^{[^17]}
• Ask nearby witnesses for contact information and note potential camera locations (homes, businesses, dash cams) so law enforcement can follow up.^{[^17]}
• Louisiana law requires prompt notice to law enforcement for certain crashes and requires drivers to provide identifying information; if a driver intentionally fails to stop, provide identity, and render reasonable aid, Louisiana law defines that conduct as “hit-and-run driving.” (Laws can change, and the exact application depends on the facts.)^{[^6][^12]}

Legal information after a crash in Louisiana

General information only—not legal advice. The right deadlines and rules depend on the specific facts, the parties involved, and changes in Louisiana law. If you have questions about a serious crash, it can help to speak with a Louisiana lawyer promptly so evidence and records are preserved while details are still available.

Deadlines to bring claims (Louisiana “prescription”)

As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana Civil Code article 3493.1 provides a two-year prescriptive period for most delictual (tort) actions, starting from the day injury or damage is sustained. This is a general rule as of the date of this update; exceptions and future legislative changes may apply.^{[^7]}

When a death occurs, Louisiana law also provides “survival” and “wrongful death” actions for certain family members, with prescriptive periods described in Civil Code articles 2315.1 and 2315.2. As of February 22, 2026, these provisions generally describe a one-year period from the date of death or a two-year period from the date of injury (whichever is longer), and they also include specific rules for medical malpractice claims; these are general rules as of the date of this update and can change or be affected by exceptions.^{[^9][^10]}

Comparative fault in Louisiana

Louisiana uses a comparative-fault framework, meaning a person’s recovery can be reduced based on their share of fault. As of February 22, 2026, Civil Code article 2323 states that if the person suffering injury, death, or loss is found to be 51% or more at fault, they generally are not entitled to recover damages; if less than 51% at fault, damages are reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. This is the statute as it appears as of this update date, and the application can depend on timing and case-specific facts (and laws can change).^{[^8]}

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)

Louisiana law regulates uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. As of February 22, 2026, La. R.S. 22:1295 generally requires UM coverage to be included with automobile liability policies unless properly rejected or modified in writing; how this applies depends on the policy, the parties, and the facts, and the statute can change over time.^{[^11]}

How these rules may apply here (based on what’s confirmed so far)

Because LSP reported a fatality at the scene, families and loved ones may have urgent questions about what happens next, including how and when official findings become available and what deadlines may apply. The most important point right now is that LSP reported the investigation is ongoing, which means key details can be clarified later.^{[^1]}

Based on what is confirmed so far, the next “practical” focus tends to be documentation: obtaining the appropriate crash report when it becomes available, preserving any photos/video and witness information, and keeping medical and expense records in an organized file. LSP’s guidance indicates that reports may take business days to process and that fatal crash reports are not available online, which can affect timing and expectations for families trying to gather records.^{[^4][^5]}

Finally, LSP noted toxicology samples would be obtained and submitted for analysis. That’s one reason early statements are best treated as preliminary until all investigative work is complete and any lab results are finalized.^{[^1]}

How we can help

If you or your family were affected by this crash (or a similar crash in Livingston Parish), Babcock Injury Lawyers can help you understand the process and protect your ability to pursue a claim—without making assumptions about fault or outcomes.

• Explaining what is known versus what is still developing, and helping you track updates from official sources.
• Helping request and review crash reports and related records when they become available.
• Preserving time-sensitive evidence (witness information, video locations, vehicle information) in a way that can be useful later.
• Handling insurance communications and documenting losses in an organized, claim-ready format.

If you want to talk with our team, you can call Babcock Injury Lawyers at (225) 500-5000 to request a consultation. We do not promise results, and every case depends on its facts and the law in effect at the relevant time.

About the author

Stephen Babcock is a Louisiana trial lawyer and the founder of Babcock Injury Lawyers. Public attorney directories and profiles list his practice as focused on personal injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions and wrongful death-related claims.^{[^18][^19]}

Some professional profiles list him as having been selected to Super Lawyers (2014–2026) and provide biographical background including legal education; readers should note that third-party recognitions have their own selection criteria and do not predict outcomes in any specific case.^{[^18][^19]}

How this article was prepared

• Date of research: February 22, 2026.
• Incident sources reviewed: Louisiana State Police Troop A news release and local news coverage (WAFB, WBRZ).
• Procedure and law sources reviewed: Louisiana State Police crash report guidance, Louisiana Legislature statutes/civil code provisions, and federal/state safety resources.
• We will update this article if additional official details (such as finalized investigative findings) are released.

Sources & further reading

Primary/Official

• Louisiana State Police (Troop A) — “North Carolina Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Livingston Parish”
• Louisiana State Police Crash Reports Portal (FAQ / Service Information)
• Louisiana State Police — Traffic Records Unit (Crash Reports / Photos guidance)

News coverage

• WAFB — “Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Livingston Parish overnight”
• WBRZ — “Man killed in Friday night crash in Denham Springs”

Corrections

If you believe something is inaccurate, contact pnc@stephenbabcock.com and we’ll review and update.

Footnotes

1. Louisiana State Police, “North Carolina Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Livingston Parish” (Troop A News Release), published January 31, 2026, https://lsp.org/community-outreach/news/north-carolina-man-killed-in-two-vehicle-crash-in-livingston-parish/. ↩
2. WAFB (Channel 9), Michael Simoneaux, “Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Livingston Parish overnight,” published January 31, 2026 (updated January 31, 2026), https://www.wafb.com/2026/01/31/man-killed-two-vehicle-crash-livingston-parish-overnight/. ↩
3. WBRZ, “Man killed in Friday night crash in Denham Springs,” published January 31, 2026, https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-killed-in-friday-night-crash-in-denham-springs/. ↩
4. Louisiana State Police Crash Reports portal (crashreports.dps.la.gov), Service Information / FAQs (includes typical processing times and notes fatal crash reports are not available online), accessed February 22, 2026, https://crashreports.dps.la.gov/. ↩
5. Louisiana State Police, “Traffic Records Unit” (includes guidance on report/photo request timing and notes fatal crash reports must be purchased in person), accessed February 22, 2026, https://lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/traffic-records-unit/. ↩
6. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 32:398 (Crash reports; when and to whom made; information aid; fees), accessed February 22, 2026, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88361. ↩
7. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Delictual actions; two-year prescription; Acts 2024, No. 423, eff. July 1, 2024), accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443. ↩
8. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault; includes 51% bar; Acts 2025, No. 15, eff. January 1, 2026), accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387. ↩
9. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action; prescription provisions), accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109369. ↩
10. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action; prescription provisions), accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370. ↩
11. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage), accessed February 22, 2026, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=508161. ↩
12. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 14:100 (Hit-and-run driving; definitions and penalties), accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=78226. ↩
13. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat Belt Safety: Buckle Up America,” accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts. ↩
14. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), “About Intersection Safety,” last updated July 26, 2024, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/about. ↩
15. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), “Dedicated Left- and Right-Turn Lanes at Intersections” (Proven Safety Countermeasures), accessed February 22, 2026, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/dedicated-left-and-right-turn-lanes-intersections. ↩
16. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, “Occupant Protection,” accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/occupant-protection/. ↩
17. AAA (Club Alliance), “Involved In A Hit And Run Accident? What To Do Next,” published October 13, 2023, https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/advice/car/involved-in-a-hit-and-run-accident-what-to-do-next. ↩
18. Super Lawyers, “Stephen Babcock” profile, accessed February 22, 2026, https://profiles.superlawyers.com/louisiana/baton-rouge/lawyer/stephen-babcock/9015166c-3137-4509-81a5-f59712117e04.html. ↩
19. Best Lawyers, “Stephen Babcock – Personal Injury Litigation” profile, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/stephen-babcock/126253. ↩