| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 749 | 2010-04-08 | Troop A | Unrestrained Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE April 8, 2010 Unrestrained Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash St. Amant – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a deadly head-on collision at 5:30 this morning on LA 431 south of LA 935 in Ascension Parish. Keith Whetstine (W/M, age 50) of French Settlement was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Pickup south on LA 431 between Stringer Bridge Road and LA 429 when he crossed the centerline and struck a 2006 Ford Utility Truck traveling the opposite direction. Whetstine and one of his two passengers, Leslie Holton (W/F, age 36) of French Settlement, were both unrestrained when the crash occurred and sustained serious injuries. Whetstine’s other passenger, a 6-year-old boy, was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. All three were transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Leslie Holton succumbed to her injuries and died in the emergency room. Whetstine was taken into surgery for life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Utility Truck, Dewey Vidrine (W/M, age 26) of St. Amant, was properly restrained and did not suffer any injuries in the crash. Alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor in the crash. However, Troopers have submitted a sample of Whetstine’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Vidrine submitted a breath sample for Troopers that showed no detectable alcohol in his system. The Louisiana Legislature passed a law last year requiring all occupants of motor vehicles to wear a seat belt while riding on public roadways. Louisiana State Police has partnered with Sheriff’s Offices, City Police Departments, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to raise awareness of the law and to increase usage throughout the state. Statistics have proven that increased seat belt use is directly related to decreased injuries and fatalities in Louisiana crashes. The three seconds it takes to fasten a seat belt can mean the difference between life and death. BUCKLE UP…SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES!!! Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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