On a quiet Tuesday night, April 15, 2025, the small community of Kentwood, Louisiana, was struck by tragedy. Chad Easileey, a 46-year-old local resident, lost his life in a devastating car accident on LA Highway 10 in Tangipahoa Parish. The incident, which occurred just before 9 p.m., has left family, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief, as they remember a man whose presence touched many lives in this close-knit town.
According to the Louisiana State Police, Easileey was driving his pickup truck westbound on LA 10 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway. The truck collided with a tree in a violent impact that proved fatal. Despite wearing his seatbelt, Easileey sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity, and authorities notified his family, marking the beginning of a painful mourning process.
The stretch of LA 10 where the crash occurred is a familiar route for Kentwood residents, winding through the rural landscapes of Tangipahoa Parish. Known for its scenic beauty, the highway can also be unforgiving, with narrow shoulders and occasional sharp curves. While the exact cause of the accident remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest that the truck left the road unexpectedly, and no other vehicles were involved. Investigators have collected a toxicology sample as part of standard procedure, though there is no indication at this time that impairment was a factor. The Louisiana State Police continue to examine the scene, reviewing road conditions, vehicle data, and any potential contributing factors to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.
Chad Easileey was a familiar figure in Kentwood, a town of just over 2,000 residents where community ties run deep. Described by those who knew him as hardworking and kind, he was a man who embodied the values of this rural Louisiana community. Friends recall his warm smile and willingness to lend a hand, whether it was helping a neighbor with a task or sharing a laugh at a local gathering. His loss has sent ripples through Kentwood, where memorials on social media have begun to emerge, with heartfelt tributes painting a picture of a life well-lived but cut short too soon.
The accident adds to a sobering reality for Tangipahoa Parish, where traffic fatalities have been a persistent concern. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that rural roads like LA 10 account for a significant portion of fatal crashes in Louisiana, often due to factors such as high speeds, limited visibility, or unexpected obstacles. In recent years, the parish has seen its share of heartache, with several high-profile crashes claiming lives and prompting calls for improved road safety measures. Community leaders have expressed their condolences, with some advocating for increased signage or lighting along the highway to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the focus in Kentwood remains on supporting Easileey’s family and honoring his memory. A funeral service is expected to be held in the coming days, with details forthcoming as the community rallies to provide comfort during this difficult time. For now, the people of Kentwood hold tight to their memories of Chad Easileey, a man whose life ended tragically but whose impact will endure in the hearts of those he leaves behind. The Louisiana State Police urge anyone with information about the crash to contact Troop L, as they work to provide answers and closure to a grieving community.