Aggrostats

Based on the preliminary investigation, Troopers determined that the crash occurred as 47-year-old Melinda Felker Collette of Kentwood was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer eastbound on LA 38 approaching the intersection of LA 25. As Collette was approaching the intersection, 21-year-old Reagan Ballard Magee of McComb, MS was driving a 2005 GMC Sierra southbound on LA 25 nearing the intersection with LA 38. The intersection of LA 25 and LA 38 is controlled by flashing red stop signals and a stop sign for traffic on LA 38. Traffic on LA 25 is controlled by a flashing yellow signal. For reasons still under investigation, Collette failed to stop at the intersection. The front of the Trailblazer crashed into the passenger side of the GMC Sierra.

13-year-old Madison Nicholson was seated in the front passenger seat of the GMC Sierra. Despite being properly restrained, she suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Nicholson was pronounced deceased on-scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office. Collette and Magee were both properly restrained at the time of the crash. They were both transported to North Oaks Health Systems by Acadia Ambulance, where they were treated for moderate injuries. A juvenile passenger seated in the front seat of the Trailblazer was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The juvenile was ejected from the rear lift-gate of the Trailblazer. She suffered moderate injuries and was transported to North Oaks Health Systems. Intoxication is not suspected on the part of either driver. Blood was drawn from both drivers and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for testing. Collette was cited for failure to stop at the intersection. The investigation is ongoing. Any additional charges will be referred to the 22^nd Judicial District Court.

While the evidence pertaining to this crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. Distractions, impairment, carelessness, and lack of restraint use continue to be factors in preventable crashes. Please, take a moment and speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions while driving. The conversation you have today could be the difference tomorrow.

Contact Information:
S/T Dustin Dwight
Louisiana State Police Troop L
Public Affairs Section
Office: (985) 893-6250
dustin.dwight@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice