With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we remember and honor the lives of Zacariah Johnson, 20, and Marquis Duncan Jr., 15, along with a 30-year-old man whose name has not yet been publicly released, following a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed all three lives on River Road in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
The devastating crash occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Monday, April 6, along River Road south of Gardere Lane, leaving a community in shock and mourning. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was traveling northbound when, for reasons still under active investigation, it failed to navigate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a utility pole with catastrophic force.
Emergency responders arrived at a heartbreaking scene. Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the location of the crash, while the third was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts to save his life, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed the identities of two victims as Zacariah Johnson, age 20, and Marquis Duncan Jr., age 15. The identity of the third victim, a 30-year-old man, will be released at a later time pending notification of next of kin.
Preliminary findings from investigators suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Toxicology results are also pending as officials work to determine all possible factors that led to the fatal incident.
The crash prompted a major emergency response and forced the closure of River Road from L’Auberge Crossing to the parish line, as crews worked to clear the scene and conduct a detailed investigation. The St. George Fire Department and other responding agencies urged motorists to seek alternate routes during the closure.
The East Baton Rouge Parish community now faces the painful reality of lives lost too soon—two young individuals at the beginning of their journeys, and another life whose story was still unfolding. Families are left devastated, grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and the overwhelming weight of sudden loss.
Zacariah Johnson and Marquis Duncan Jr. will be remembered not just for how their lives ended, but for who they were in life—sons, loved ones, and valued members of their community whose absence will be deeply felt. The memory of all three victims will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
As loved ones begin the difficult process of mourning, the community stands with them in grief, offering prayers, strength, and support during this unimaginable time.
Rest in peace, Zacariah Johnson.
Rest in peace, Marquis Duncan Jr.
And rest in peace to the third victim whose name will be known and honored in time. You will never be forgotten.
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