| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 4280 | 2019-02-23 | Troop E | Unrestrained Dodson Man Killed in Crash |
TROOP E NEWS RELEASE Unrestrained Dodson Man Killed in Crash Rapides Parish – Earlier today, a crash involving two vehicles killed a man from Dodson, LA who was not wearing a seat belt. Two additional unrestrained occupants were injured in the crash. Troopers responded to the crash around 2:50 p.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 496, west of Robinson Road. The crash involved a 2013 Chevrolet pickup, driven by Alex J. Ekermeyer (W/M 26 yoa) of Alexandria, LA and a 2018 Chevrolet pickup, driven by Jessie C. Doughty (W/F 42 yoa) of Dodson. The 2013 Chevrolet was westbound on LA Hwy 496 when Ekermeyer lost control and crossed the centerline into the opposing lane. This action resulted in the 2013 Chevrolet colliding head-on with the eastbound 2018 Chevrolet. Ekermeyer was not wearing his seat belt and received moderate injuries. He was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center for treatment. Doughty was not wearing her seat belt and received moderate injuries. She was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center for treatment. Her only passenger, identified as Wayne D. Pray (W/M 73 yoa), 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. Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind the public of the following: inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving. More information on distracted driving may be found online at the federal government’s official distracted driving website, www.distraction.gov. Troop E Troopers have investigated seven fatal crashes in 2019, resulting in eight fatalities. Contact Information: | |||
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