Aggrostats

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1993 Ford Explorer driven by 27-year-old Reanna Knox of Leesville was traveling south on Three Pines Church Road and failed to stop at a stop sign at LA 26. A 2011 Kia Optima driven by 43-year-old Richard Rangel of Leesville was traveling west on LA 26 and struck the SUV Knox was driving.

Knox, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was partially ejected when the SUV she was driving rolled over. Knox died as a result of her injuries.

Rangel received minor injuries. A passenger in Rangel’s vehicle, 47-year-old Leisha Irvin of DeRidder, was taken by air ambulance to an area hospital with moderate injuries.

Impairment on the part of Knox is suspected to be a factor in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from the drivers and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Six of the seven people who have died in crashes investigated by Louisiana State Police Troop D so far this year were not wearing a seatbelt. Three of these deaths have occurred in Beauregard Parish.

Louisiana law requires motor vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in every seating position, day and night. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the likelihood of being seriously injured or killed as the result of a crash and is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time.

This is the seventh fatal crash investigated by Louisiana State Police Troop D this year.

Contact Information:
Sgt. James Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 491-2932
james.anderson@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org