NATCHITOCHES, La. – Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on 1-49 south of Natchitoches early Saturday. The crash claimed the life of Nicholas A. Bernard, 26. The initial investigation revealed a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by Bernard, was traveling north on 1-49 about 6 a.m. For reasons still under investigation, Bernard’s vehicle traveled off the roadway, entered the median, before striking a guardrail and thus overturning. This action ejected Bernard from the vehicle. Bernard, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. A passenger, who was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.