On Friday, June 30, 2023, shortly after 9:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on I-49 just north of LA Hwy 509. This crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Michael Sandifer.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Nissan Altima, driven by Sandifer, was traveling south on I-49. For reasons still under investigation, the Altima exited the left side of the roadway, traveled across the median, and struck a concrete bridge pillar head-on.
As a result of this crash, Sandifer, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the DeSoto Parish Coroner’s Office. Although impairment is not a suspected factor, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.