TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE
October 27, 2011
EBR Fatal Crash Claims Life of Jackson Woman Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash this morning on LA 64 east of US 61 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The crash occurred shortly before 7:00 am and claimed the life of a Jackson woman.
Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Melinda Messer (W/F, age 40) of Jackson, LA was driving a Ford Focus east on LA 64 east of US 61 when she ran off the road to the right. Messer over-corrected to the left, lost control of the vehicle, and crossed back over LA 64 into the westbound travel lane. She then over-corrected to the right and her vehicle began to rotate clockwise in the westbound travel lane, where she was struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche traveling westbound. Messer sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the pickup, Tedd Ohlinger (W/M, age 50) of Zachary, and his passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Troopers do not suspect impairment to have played a factor in this crash; however, they have submitted a sample of Messer’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Ohlinger voluntarily submitted a breath sample to Troopers that showed he had no detectable alcohol in his system. Visibility was diminished due to fog at the time of the crash. No charges have been filed and the crash remains under investigation.
Troopers would like to remind motorists to focus on the task at hand when driving. Impairment, distracted driving, and making poor decisions are factors that lead to fatal and serious injury crashes every day across the state. Motorists are encouraged to put the cell phones away, drive at safe speeds taking into consideration driving conditions, and never drive impaired. Making the right decision when behind the wheel, or before even getting into a vehicle, can mean the difference between life and death, not only for the driver, but for everyone on the road.
Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II
Public Information Officer
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
russell.graham@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org
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