NOPD is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred early this morning (February 15, 2025) in the First District.
Officers responded to the scene at North Claiborne Avenue and St. Phillip Street at about 1:38 a.m.
Through initial investigation, traffic fatality investigators determined that two vehicles were allegedly racing each other on North Claiborne Avenue headed East bound when one of the vehicles failed to negotiate a turn near St. Phillip Street.
When the driver missed the turn, the vehicle struck a guardrail causing it to overturn and land on a tree. Two people were in the vehicle- one, a 23-year-old Hispanic female was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. The second victim, a 24-year-old Black male, was pronounced deceased on scene by EMS.
The second vehicle was not involved in the crash and there were no injuries reported by the occupants.
The Orleans Parish Coroner will determine the exact cause of death and identify the victim after family notification.
NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigator Danny Ellis is leading the ongoing investigation. No further information is available.
Anyone with additional information about this accident is asked to contact the Traffic Fatality Unit at (504) 658-6205 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.