| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5684 | 2011-11-10 | Troop F | Troop F Troopers Investigate Pair of Fatal Crashes |
TROOP F - NEWS RELEASE November 10, 2011 Troop F Troopers Investigate Pair of Fatal Crashes Troop F Troopers investigated a pair of fatal crashes today. The first crash occurred this morning at about 7:32 am. The investigation revealed that a 1998 Mercury Marquis was traveling north on LA 33, about 5 miles north of Marion, when, for unknown reasons, the driver crossed the center-line and into the path of a southbound 1999 Mack truck (log truck). The driver of the log truck was unable to avoid the crash and the Mercury struck the truck on its driver's side. After the crash, the Mercury came to rest in the northbound lane of LA 33 and the log truck came to rest off the left side of the road in a wooded area. Both drivers were transported from the scene to Union General Hospital. The driver of the Mercury, identified as James Craig (45 yoa from Huttig, AR) was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later. The driver of the log truck, identified as Ronnie Grisby (45 yoa from Farmerville, LA) was treated for minor injuries. Seat belt use is unknown and impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. The second fatal crash occurred at about 11:54 am today. Troopers determined that a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling north on LA 594, just north of Hwy 80. There was a 2005 Freightliner garbage truck stopped in the right lane of Hwy 594 to pick-up household trash. The Jeep rear-ended the garbage truck and came to rest in the middle of LA 594. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Ryan Witherington (37 yoa from Bastrop), was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner's Office. The driver of the garbage truck, identified as James McLemore (67 yoa from Monroe) received minor injuries in the crash and was transported to St Francis-North Hospital for treatment. An employee riding on the back of the garbage truck, identified as Cedric Penman Sr. (43 yoa from Monroe) also received minor injuries in the crash and was taken to St Francis-North Hospital. Witherington was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. Impairment is unknown and routine toxicology tests are pending. While the cause of these crashes remains under investigation, it is a fact that inattention and distracted driving is a factor in thousands of crashes in Louisiana each year. Drivers must be constantly aware of their surroundings and resist becoming complacent while driving. Taking your eyes off of the road for a few seconds can cause severe crashes. Limit the amount of distractions inside the vehicle and be vigilant of the vehicles around you. Always wear your seat belt and ensure that children are properly restrained in an age and size appropriate child restraint. In 2011, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated forty-three (43) fatal crashes resulting in fifty (50) deaths. Contact Information: TFC Mark Dennis Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop F Office: (318) 345-2810 Mark.Dennis@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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