Cody Pounds Obituary, Death; BRPD: One killed, another critically injured in I-10 crash
Cody Pounds Obituary, Death – The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed one life and left another person critically injured on Interstate 10 early Saturday morning. The accident took place near the Louise Street exit at approximately 2:28 a.m. on August 16, drawing immediate response from local law enforcement and emergency crews.
According to investigators, the crash involved a 2021 Dodge Durango. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the SUV failed to properly navigate the exit, which led to a devastating sequence of collisions. The vehicle first struck protective crash attenuators and then a concrete curb before it plummeted off the elevated portion of the interstate. The violent impact resulted in catastrophic damage to the vehicle and severe consequences for its occupants.
Authorities identified the front-seat passenger as 34-year-old Cody Pounds. Despite emergency responders’ rapid arrival, Pounds was pronounced dead at the scene due to fatal injuries sustained in the crash. The driver, whose name has not been released, survived but suffered life-threatening injuries. Paramedics rushed the driver to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition, fighting for their life.
The Baton Rouge Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Division has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. While it remains unclear whether speed, impairment, or distracted driving played a role, officials are carefully reviewing evidence to determine the contributing factors. The investigation will include a review of the vehicle’s condition, roadway design, and potential environmental elements such as lighting or visibility at the time of the crash.
This crash has brought renewed attention to the risks drivers face when navigating exit ramps, particularly along elevated interstates. Exits like the one near Louise Street can be especially hazardous if drivers are traveling too fast, misjudge the curve, or are otherwise distracted. Safety measures such as crash attenuators are designed to lessen the severity of such accidents, but they cannot always prevent fatalities when vehicles leave the roadway.
The tragic loss of Cody Pounds has deeply affected family and friends, who now mourn the unexpected death of a loved one. Community members have also expressed concern over the frequency of serious crashes on Baton Rouge highways, with many calling for heightened awareness about road safety and stricter adherence to speed limits and traffic laws.
For the driver, the road to recovery will likely be long and difficult. Critical injuries sustained in such high-impact crashes often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Law enforcement will continue to monitor the driver’s condition as they proceed with the investigation.
As of now, the Baton Rouge Police Department has not announced any charges or citations related to the crash. Their focus remains on piecing together the exact chain of events that led to this fatal incident. Officials urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This devastating crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road, emphasizing the importance of caution, attentiveness, and safe driving practices, especially during early morning hours when conditions can be more challenging.
