Late Friday evening, just after 9 p.m., deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) were dispatched to the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 near Highway 170 in Shreveport after reports of a catastrophic two‑vehicle collision.
Emergency crews arrived on scene at approximately 9:13 p.m. and found a dark‑colored SUV that had entered the southbound lanes traveling northbound and collided head‑on with a white pickup truck. The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at 9:31 p.m. at the scene.
On Sunday, November 9, the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the deceased driver as 47‑year‑old Anthony Barone. Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup truck was critically injured and air‑lifted by LifeAir to a regional hospital, with authorities describing his injuries as life‑threatening.
Investigators say the crash left both vehicles severely damaged and closed the affected section of I‑49 temporarily as they worked to piece together exactly how Barone came to be driving the wrong way. The CPSO is leading an ongoing investigation to determine whether impairment, mechanical failure or other factors were involved.
Friends and members of the community are mourning Barone’s passing, remembering him as a generous soul who brought warmth and laughter into the lives of those around him. Although further personal details have not been released, local condolences describe a man whose life ended far too soon.
The driver of the pickup remains hospitalized and in critical condition. No additional updates about his prognosis have been made public. Authorities are urging anyone with information, including possible video or witness accounts, to come forward as the investigation continues.
As the community processes this loss, the message from law enforcement and loved ones alike is clear: this tragedy serves as a reminder of how swiftly lives can be altered in a moment. Anthony Barone will be remembered, and the hope is that his passing prompts greater attention to roadway safety—especially the dire consequences of wrong‑way driving.