In Loving Memory of Michael Wale and Richard McLaren
The Livingston Parish community is mourning the tragic loss of Michael Wale, 69, of Denham Springs, and Richard McLaren, 65, of Ball, who were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the evening of January 12, 2026. The accident occurred around 6:13 p.m. on South Range Avenue (LA 3002) near Hazelnut Street, involving a total of four vehicles.
According to initial reports, a northbound Ford F-250 crossed a mountable curb divider, colliding with a Nissan Maxima and two additional vehicles. Authorities are still investigating why the Ford F-250 crossed the divider. Thankfully, the drivers of the other two vehicles involved sustained only minor injuries, and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash.
Michael Wale and Richard McLaren were more than the victims of this tragic accident; they were fathers, friends, neighbors, and valued members of their communities. Their sudden passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of their families and all who knew them. Friends and loved ones remember them for the warmth, kindness, and presence they brought into the lives of others.
Emergency responders and law enforcement worked diligently at the scene, and the Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed their deaths. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to understand the full circumstances of this heartbreaking crash.
As the community mourns, the memory of Michael Wale and Richard McLaren will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. May they rest in peace, and may their families and friends find comfort and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
