Three people died in accidents in the area over the last week.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on July 8, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 17 just north of Louisiana Highway 855 near Warden.
The crash claimed the lives of 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2012 Ford Fusion, driven by Myers, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 17. At the same time, a 2022 GMC Terrain, driven by 18-yearold Alexis Cox, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 17. For reasons still under investigation, Cox crossed over the centerline and struck the Ford head-on in the southbound lane of Louisiana Highway 17.
Meyers, who was unrestrained, received serious injuries. She was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. Washington, who was the front seat passenger in the Ford, was unrestrained and died at the scene. Cox, who was properly restrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Another deadly accident followed on July 10 near Waverly.
Shortly before 5 a.m. on July 10, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 20 just west of Louisiana Highway 557. The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Charles Moore of Meridian, Miss.
The initial investigation revealed a 2024 International commercial motor vehicle driven by Moore was traveling west on Interstate 20. At the same time, a 2017 Freightliner commercial motor vehicle was parked on the right westbound shoulder of Interstate 20.
For reasons still under investigation, Moore veared right, and struck the rear of the Freightliner on the right westbound shoulder of Interstate 20. After the initial impact, the International traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
Moore, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Driving while distracted or fatigued is incredibly dangerous and significantly increases the risk of serious crashes.
Fatigue slows your reaction time and can cause you to fall asleep at the wheel, while distractions— like texting, eating, or adjusting controls— take your eyes and mind off the road. Even a moment of inattention can lead to devastating consequences.
Stay alert, well-rested, and focused whenever you are behind the wheel.
If you feel drowsy or tempted to multitask, make the responsible choice to pull over, wait, or find a safe alternative.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up.
Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.
