| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7878 | 2016-01-16 | Troop L | Arkansas Resident Killed, Husband Critical in Three Vehicle Crash on Interstate 55 |
TROOP L - NEWS RELEASE January 16th, 2016 Arkansas Resident Killed, Husband Critical in Three Vehicle Crash on Interstate 55 Hammond, LA- Shortly after 6:30 PM Friday January 15, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were dispatched to a three vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 55 in Hammond. The crash has claimed the life of 60 year-old Mariam Williams of Sherwood, Arkansas. The initial on-scene investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash sequence occurred as 26 year-old Brittany Barber Spears of Franklinton, LA was driving a 2004 Toyota Avalon northbound on Interstate 55 in the left lane. Ahead of Spears vehicle, also in the left lane, was a 2014 Ford F-150 driven by 62 year-old Thomas J Stephens of Amite, LA. Spears closed the distance with the two vehicles and crashed into the rear of Stephens’ truck. After the initial collision, Spears’ vehicle traveled through the median and into the southbound lanes of Interstate 55. After crossing over, Spears’ Avalon crashed head-on with a 2013 Kia Optima driven by 64 year-old Charles Williams of Sherwood, AR. Despite being properly restrained, Williams’ wife, and front seat passenger, Mariam Williams, suffered severe injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on-scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Charles Williams was also properly restrained at the time of the crash. He was transported from the scene to Northoaks Hospital in critical condition. Spears sustained moderate injuries in the crash and was transported to Northoaks Hospital. Troopers do not presently suspect impairment to have been a factor in this crash, however, blood samples were obtained from both injured drivers. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for Analysis. Thomas J. Stephens, the driver of the F-150, was not injured in the crash. He voluntarily provided Troopers with a breath sample that showed no trace amounts of alcohol. The crash remains under investigation and any charges will be referred to the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office for review. As the weekend continues, please take the time to speak to your loved ones about the importance of their choices behind the wheel. No one has reservations to be in a crash, there are no warnings, and crashes occur in a matter of seconds. Troopers implore Louisiana motorists to always wearing their seatbelt, eliminate distractions, and never driving impaired.
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