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On May 28, 2014, at 6:27 a.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a single vehicle pedestrian fatal crash on Interstate 20 about 4 miles west of Ruston.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, driven by 21-year-old Whitney Gaston-Loyd of Shreveport, was traveling west on Interstate 20 in the right lane when it struck 32-year-old Coty Willis of Ruston. The Jetta continued traveling west while fleeing the scene. Evidence found at the scene indicated that Willis was struck by a blue Volkswagen Jetta. Grambling City Police located the hit and run vehicle on Grambling State University’s campus and also located Gaston-Loyd.

Gaston-Loyd was wearing her seat belt and did not report any injuries. The passenger in the Jetta, 22-year-old Brandy Adams of Shreveport, was also wearing her seat belt and did not report any injuries. Willis suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Lincoln Parish Coroner’s Office.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash. A toxicology sample was taken and submitted for analysis. Gaston-Loyd admitted during questioning that she was the driver and was charged with a felony hit and run. Adams was charged with accessory after the fact. Both subjects were booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. If convicted Gaston-Loyd faces up to a $5,000 dollar fine and 10 years in prison and Adams faces up to a $500 dollar fine and 5 years in prison.

Troopers determined that the crash occurred shortly before 1 a.m. The crash remains under investigation.

Crashes involving pedestrians can often be avoided by following some basic safety guidelines. Pedestrians should wear light-colored or reflective clothing and should always avoid walking on the roadway in dark areas. Pedestrians must also assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Crossing roadways only in well-lit, designated areas and always walking facing traffic will enhance the safety for pedestrians.

Troop F has investigated 12 fatal crashes which have resulted in 12 deaths so far this year.



Contact Information
Trooper Albert Paxton
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs
Section-Troop F
Office: (318) 345-2810
albert.paxton@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice