Travis Weams Identified as Victim in Fatal Garbage Truck Crash on Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA — A tragic collision on Airline Highway has claimed the life of 40-year-old Travis Weams, who was struck and killed by a garbage truck in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The incident, which unfolded near the intersection of Airline Highway and Prescott Road, has left family, friends, and community members grieving the sudden and devastating loss of a man remembered for his kindness, dedication, and hardworking spirit.
According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, Weams was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a commercial sanitation vehicle just before 5:30 a.m. Baton Rouge Police Department officers responded swiftly to the scene following a 911 call reporting a serious pedestrian-involved crash involving a garbage truck operated by a local waste management company.
Preliminary reports indicate that Weams was either walking along the shoulder or attempting to cross the highway when the incident occurred. Due to the early morning darkness and the nature of the roadway, visibility may have been a contributing factor, but the full circumstances remain under active investigation.
The driver of the garbage truck remained on the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. No charges have been filed as of yet, and toxicology reports for both the driver and the victim are pending, as part of standard procedure.
Community Shocked by Sudden Loss
News of Travis Weams’ death has spread rapidly through the Baton Rouge community, prompting an outpouring of grief from those who knew him. Friends and family describe Weams as a humble, generous, and good-natured man who was deeply devoted to his family and took pride in helping others.
“Travis was someone who would give you the shirt off his back,” said longtime friend Malcolm Joseph. “He wasn’t flashy or loud, but he made a difference in quiet, consistent ways. His loss is just devastating.”
Weams was reportedly a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge and had worked various jobs in construction and maintenance over the years. He was known for being dependable and was frequently seen walking to work or running errands on foot, often waving to neighbors along the way.
“He didn’t drive much,” said neighbor Jeanette Williams. “But everyone knew him. He was respectful, friendly, and always willing to help, whether it was moving furniture or mowing someone’s yard. He didn’t deserve to die like this.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Baton Rouge Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation into the fatal crash. While officials have not released a full incident report, they have confirmed that the area where the accident occurred is known for heavy truck traffic and poor pedestrian infrastructure.
“This portion of Airline Highway is not pedestrian-friendly,” said Sgt. Calvin Traylor. “Unfortunately, these types of accidents highlight the dangers for individuals who have no choice but to travel on foot. We are reviewing nearby surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting a thorough investigation.”
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information—such as dashcam video or observations before or after the incident—to come forward.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
The tragedy has reignited concerns about pedestrian safety along Airline Highway, a corridor often criticized for its lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting. Local advocacy groups have long pushed for improvements, especially in areas frequented by low-income residents who rely on walking or public transportation.
“Travis Weams should not have died this way,” said Lisa Bourgeois of the Baton Rouge Pedestrian Safety Coalition. “This is another preventable death that underscores the need for safer roads. We need to build infrastructure that protects people—especially those on foot.”
Family Mourns a Life Cut Short
As police work to piece together the timeline of events, Weams’ family is left grappling with the loss of a man who was a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. A memorial has been established near the scene of the crash, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes expressing sorrow and remembrance.
“He was our rock,” said Weams’ younger sister, Latasha. “Travis kept us together after our mother passed. He was always there for us. I don’t know how we’ll move forward without him.”
Plans for a vigil and celebration of life ceremony are currently underway, with community members contributing to a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with funeral and burial costs.
A Tragic Reminder
Travis Weams’ untimely death is a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians and the critical importance of roadway awareness, both for drivers and city planners. As Baton Rouge mourns another loss on its highways, his story becomes more than a statistic—it’s a human life taken too soon.
Police continue to urge caution for all commuters, especially during early morning hours when visibility is reduced. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be released by the Baton Rouge Police Department as more information becomes available.
For now, the community remembers Travis Weams not only for how he died but for how he lived—with quiet strength, generosity, and an enduring spirit that touched many.