Fatal Crash on Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
A fatal three-vehicle crash occurred on the northbound span of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on Friday, Oct. 3, at approximately 2:30 p.m., authorities said.
The incident, near the St. Tammany Parish end of the bridge, resulted in the closure of the northbound span for over an hour. A passenger in one of the SUVs, identified as 60-year-old Claude Dixon III, succumbed to his injuries, according to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office. Dixon was a sergeant with the New Orleans Police Department.
Authorities reported that the crash is under investigation, noting that the SUV Dixon was in was struck from behind as traffic slowed. Carlton Dufrechou, Causeway General Manager, highlighted that nearly 60% of Causeway crashes are attributed to inattentive driving.
“Whenever you are behind the wheel, please stay alert, watch the road ahead, and be mindful of those around you,” Dufrechou stated in a mass email. He emphasized the importance of awareness for safety, reminding motorists to contact *27 or (504) 835-3116 for assistance on the bridge.
Despite totaling 103 crashes in 2025 across nearly 10 million crossings, Dufrechou noted that the Causeway ranks among the safest major roadways in Louisiana and America, calling for continued attentiveness from drivers.