Two MS Coast men dead in Louisiana hit-and-run, authorities say

A hit-and-run in Louisiana killed two Mississippi Coast men early Friday morning, according to Louisiana State Police.

Chandler Garcia, 21, and John Russo Jr., 23, died after two vehicles crashed on Interstate 12 near Louisiana Highway 445 in Tangipahoa Parish, according to a release from state police. Both men were from Bay St. Louis.

Authorities said Russo was traveling east about 4 a.m. Friday near Hammond, La. The release said a 2008 Ford F-250 the men were in struck the back of another vehicle traveling east on Interstate 12. The Ford veered off the right side of the road and overturned. The other vehicle, whose make and model is unknown, fled, according to police.

The release said all occupants of the Ford were not wearing seatbelts and Garcia and Russo died at the scene. A third person inside the Ford sustained “moderate injuries” and was transported to a hospital, according to the release.

The crash is still under investigation and police have not determined why the Ford struck another vehicle. The release said authorities took a toxicology sample from Russo for analysis but does not specify results.

Authorities asked anyone with information on the crash to call Louisiana State Police Troop L at 985-893-6250.

This story was originally published July 28, 2023 at 5:05 PM.