Aggrostats

Troop G News Release – May 24, 2011

According to investigating troopers, 35-year-old Denise Rhodes was traveling north on US 171 in a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox with her two children (twelve-year-old and two-year-old). While traveling north, for unknown reasons, Rhodes lost control of the vehicle and ran off the left side of the roadway into a grassy median. The vehicle overturned multiple times and came to rest on its roof in the south bound lanes of travel.

Rhodes was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the DeSoto Parish Coroner.

The children, who were properly restrained in their appropriate restraint systems, were transported to DeSoto Regional with minor injuries.

Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Toxicology tests are pending and the crash remains under investigation.

Troop G Troopers have investigated 10 fatal crashes for the year of 2011, which resulted in 10 fatalities.

In 2010, just over 700 people were killed in Louisiana due to motor vehicle crashes. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. March 23, 2011 marks the beginning of the “Click it or Ticket” national seat belt mobilization. Through high visibility enforcement efforts coupled with public awareness, law enforcement officers and the community throughout the state can help increase the seat belt usage rate and save lives on Louisiana’s highways. Louisiana law requires that all vehicle occupants wear thier seat belts and that children under the age of 13 wear a safety belt and/or be restrained by an appropriate child safety seat regardless of seating positions. State Police reminds everyone to buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same.