Slaughter – Shortly after 9:30 pm on April 18, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on LA Hwy 958 at Port Hudson-Pride Road in East Feliciana Parish. The crash took the life of 20-year-old Darren Ficklin of Prairieville.
The preliminary investigation revealed the crash occurred as Ficklin was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 958 on a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja. For reasons still under investigation, Ficklin failed to negotiate a curve and exited the roadway to the right. After exiting the roadway, the Kawasaki hit a driveway embankment.
Ficklin was not wearing DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries. He was transported from the scene to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was obtained from Ficklin for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.