Aggrostats

TROOP F NEWS RELEASE
December 14, 2018

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Chappell was driving a 2005 GMC Sierra south on US Hwy 425. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC traveled into the ditch and struck a utility pole on the driver’s side. After striking the utility pole, the vehicle began to rotate and struck a small tree.

Chappell was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was taken from Chappell and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2018, Troop F has investigated 35 fatal crashes resulting in 39 deaths.

Contact Information:
S/T Michael Reichardt
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
michael.reichardt@la.gov
www.lsp.org
facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice
twitter.com/LAStatePolice