| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3972 | 2015-02-21 | Troop E | Alcohol Suspected Factor in Unrestrained Teen’s Death |
TROOP E NEWS RELEASE February 21, 2015 Alcohol Suspected Factor in Unrestrained Teen’s Death Vernon Parish – Last night, a single vehicle crash killed a teen from DeRidder, LA and seriously injured the teen driver. Both teens were not wearing a seat belt, which resulted in the teen driver being partially ejected and the teen passenger being totally ejected. Alcohol usage is a suspected factor. Troopers responded to the crash around 7:40 p.m., which occurred on Hawks Road, in Vernon Parish. The crash involved a 2004 GMC pickup, driven by Blake A. Shell (W/M 19 yrs) of Singer, LA. The GMC was westbound on Hawks Road when Shell lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle began overturning before colliding with a tree. Shell received serious injuries and was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center. His only passenger, identified as Abigail M. Welch (W/F 18 yrs), was pronounced dead. Routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation. Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of death in motor vehicle crashes. Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects. Troop E Troopers have investigated five fatal crashes in 2015, resulting in eight fatalities. Contact Information: M/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop E Office: (318) 769-9USA (872) scott.moreau@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||