LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
News Release
January 6, 2008
Troop F Investigates Two Separate Fatal Crashes
On January 5, 2008 Troopers at Louisiana State Police Troop F investigated two separate fatal crashes. The first crash occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on Interstate 20 at milepost 143.4 in Richland Parish. A 2003 Freightliner Tractor/Trailer was traveling westbound on I-20 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle went off the right side of the roadway, traveled up an embankment and struck the Mengel Rd overpass. The Freightliner sustained severe damage in the crash and the driver, identified as James R. May, a 62 year old Douglas, GA man, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland Parish Coroner's office. Westbound traffic had to be diverted for a period of time, but is now at least partially open for traffic. The Mengel Rd overpass has heavy damage and will remain closed until it is repaired. Alcohol use is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.
The second crash occurred at about 11:55 p.m. on LA 838 (New Natchitoches Rd) at milepost 0.2 in Ouachita parish when a westbound 2003 GMC Envoy ran off the right side of the roadway. The driver then apparently overcorrected the vehicle and crossed back over the roadway and left the left side of the road where the vehicle overturned and came to rest. The driver, identified as Glenda Powdrill, a 58 year old West Monroe woman, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner's office. Alcohol use is not suspected as a factor in the crash, but routine toxicology tests are pending. Powdrill was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash.
In 2008, Louisiana State Police Troop F has investigated two (2) fatal crashes resulting in two (2) fatalities.
Troop F has investigated two other fatal incidents which are pending autopsy reports.
For More Information, Contact:
Trooper Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318) 345-2810
Mark.Dennis@dps.la.gov |