BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to honor a 19‑year‑old killed in a 2023 crash by renaming a local bridge in his memory, and now the measure heads to the state Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 354 Would Redesignate Magnolia Bridge
House Bill 354, sponsored by State Rep. Lauren Ventrella (R‑Greenwell Springs), would redesignate the Magnolia Bridge — the bridge on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River — as the “Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge.” The bill passed the Louisiana House of Representatives unanimously on March 18.
The measure is now in the Senate, where it will go through additional readings and committee review before it could be sent to the governor for final approval.
Honoring a Life Lost Too Soon
The renaming bill is intended to honor the memory of Caleb Easterling, 19, who died in a three‑vehicle collision on July 12, 2023, on Louisiana Highway 64 in Livingston Parish. Investigators reported that a driver from Baton Rouge crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head‑on with Easterling’s vehicle, killing him from his injuries at the scene.
Easterling had plans for his future, including university and baseball, and lawmakers and community members have expressed support for the memorial name as a way to remember his life and impact on those who knew him.
Legislative and Community Support
Rep. Ventrella, the lead sponsor of the bill, wrote on social media that renaming the bridge is “about making sure he is never forgotten,” and thanked Easterling’s family and her colleagues for their support.
Easterling’s mother, Becky Easterling, also spoke in committee about the importance of honoring her son’s memory through the bridge designation.
Next Steps for the Bill
If the Senate approves the bill, it could be sent to the governor’s desk for signature and become law. Once enacted, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would install signage reflecting the new name, typically funded through local or private contributions rather than state tax dollars.
