In the quiet predawn hours of September 6, 2025, a devastating crash shattered the stillness at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 169 and Louisiana Highway 172 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, claiming the life of 34-year-old Zapien German from Carthage, Texas. The tragedy, reported by the Louisiana State Police, unfolded around 6:30 a.m., leaving a community in mourning and serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the open road.
According to investigators, a 2025 Mack Pinnacle saltwater tanker was traveling southbound on LA 169, nearing the intersection, when German’s 2000 Chevrolet Silverado approached from LA 172, heading east. For reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided with catastrophic force. German, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from his pickup truck and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mack truck, secured by a seatbelt, emerged unscathed, a testament to the life-saving power of proper restraint.
The Louisiana State Police have stated that impairment is not suspected as a factor in the crash, though routine toxicology tests have been ordered to ensure a thorough investigation. As authorities continue to piece together the events leading to this heartbreaking incident, the loss of Zapien German—a man in the prime of his life—casts a somber shadow over his loved ones and the Carthage community.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Louisiana State Police issued a poignant plea to drivers: “Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted; always ensure every occupant is properly restrained and obey all traffic laws. Simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.” These words resonate as both a warning and a call to action, urging motorists to prioritize safety to prevent further heartbreak on Louisiana’s highways.