| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5686 | 2011-11-06 | Troop F | Caldwell Parish Fatal Crash |
TROOP F - NEWS RELEASE November 6, 2011 Caldwell Parish Fatal Crash Two people have died and several others were injured in a Caldwell Parish crash. The crash occurred on November 5, 2011 at about 5:12 pm. Troopers investigating the crash determined that a 2009 Nissan Maxima was traveling east on LA 4, east of LA 133, when the driver lost control of the vehicle in a slight curve and slid across the center no-passing lines. The Nissan slid into the path of a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier that was traveling west on LA 4. The driver of the Chevrolet was unable to avoid the crash and struck the side of the Nissan. A 22-year-old passenger in the Nissan, identified as Jalisa Harrison from New Iberia, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Caldwell Parish Coroner's Office. A 7-month-old male infant was transported to Citizen's Medical Center where he died a short time later. The driver of the Nissan, identified as 19-year-old Amber Benoit from Jeanerette, LA, was transported to Glenwood Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. There were three additional children in the Nissan between the ages of 3 and 5 years old that were transported to Rapides Medical Center with moderate injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 28-year-old Jonathan Wilhite from Clarks, LA, was transported to St Francis Hospital with moderate injuries. Three passengers in the Chevrolet, identified as 24-year-old Heather Wilhite, a 5-year-old female, and a 3-year-old male child, were also transported to St Francis with moderate injuries. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, but routine toxicology tests are pending. The driver of the Nissan, Amber Benoit, was issued a citation for driving left of center. This crash is still under investigation and the use of seat belts and age/size appropriate child restraints is still being reviewed. All crashes are not survivable, but the best way to reduce the likelihood of being seriously injured in a crash is to be properly restrained. Always buckle-up and for help with the proper fit and installation of child safety seats in this area, you may contact Troop F at (318)345-0000. In 2011, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated forty-one (41) fatal crashes resulting in forty-seven (47) 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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