Aggrostats

According to investigating troopers, 24-year-old Melissa Maggio was traveling south on LA 3 in the inside lane of a four-lane highway while operating a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. For unknown reasons, the vehicle drifted right into the outside lane and sideswiped a 2007 Ford Taurus that was also traveling south. After impact, the driver of the Ford Taurus, 39-year-old Richard P. Ramsey of Benton, suddenly brought his vehicle to a stop. Thereafter, Maggio lost control of her vehicle, veered right across the outside lane and slid sideways off the roadway. The 4Runner subsequently collided with a utility pole on the driver’s side, rotated around and came to rest on its driver’s side after overturning.

During the crash Maggio, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and was consequently partially pinned underneath the overturned vehicle. An off duty Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy and passing motorists, who each stopped to assist with the crash, freed Maggio from underneath the vehicle and immediately begin administering first aid and CPR. Maggio was later transported to LSU Health Science Center (LSUHSC) in Shreveport by Bossier Parish EMS with critical injuries.

Ramsey was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured.

Toxicology test results are pending and the crash remains under investigation.

Although not all crashes are survivable, taking the time to buckle up properly every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time.

Contact Information:
TFC. Cordell Williams
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Unit
Office: (318) 741-7411
cordell.williams@dps.la.gov
www.lsp.org