| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5744 | 2016-12-15 | Troop G | **UPDATE** Head-On Crash Claims Life of a Plain Dealing Woman |
TROOP G NEWS RELEASE December 15, 2016 **UPDATE** Head-On Crash Claims Life of a Plain Dealing Woman After further investigation, Troopers were able to confirm through toxicology results and crash reconstruction efforts that both alcohol and speed were factors in the October 28, 2016 fatal crash that claimed the life of 46-year-old Kelly Birdwell of Plain Dealing. The investigation revealed that Simmons’ vehicle was eastbound in the westbound lane of LA 157, when it struck Birdwell’s vehicle head-on. It was determined that Simmons was traveling 70 MPH and Birdwell was only traveling at 27 MPH and attempting to brake upon impact. Simmons sustained moderate injuries in the crash; however, Birdwell was pronounced dead at the scene. Simmons also provided a blood specimen for alcohol and drug analysis which indicated that he was impaired at the time of the crash. On December 15, 2016, Troopers arrested 47-year-old Brynton Simmons of Springhill for the death of Kelly Birdwell. Simmons was booked into the Webster Parish Jail on the following charges: Vehicular Homicide, DWI 1st Offense, Speeding (70/55 MPH); and Driving Left of Center.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Honda Accord driven by 47-year-old Brynton Simmons of Springhill was traveling west on LA 157 in the east bound lane when he collided head-on with an east bound 2006 Honda Civic driven by 46-year-old Kelly Birdwell of Plain Dealing that was traveling in the west bound lane. Both drivers were restrained at the time of the crash, but Birdwell sustained life threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Webster Parish Coroner. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in this crash. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. The cause of this crash remains under investigation. Each year, on Louisiana’s highways, numerous people are killed or seriously injured in automobile crashes that involve impaired drivers. In 2015, 48% of the fatal crashes in Troop G involved impaired drivers. Motorists are asked to designate a sober driver before traveling to any place where alcohol will be consumed. Drive sober or get pulled over. Contact Information: | |||
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