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Killona – On April 5, 2022, shortly after 7:30 pm, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 18 (River Road) at LA 3142. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 50-year-old Leslie Coombes of Russellville, Arkansas.

The initial investigation revealed that Coombes was driving a 2014 Mazda 3 north on LA 3142 approaching the LA 18 intersection. At the same time, a 2022 Honda Accord was traveling east on LA 18, approaching the LA 3142 intersection. Coombes failed to yield to oncoming traffic and began to turn west onto LA 18, entering the path of the Honda. As a result, the front of the Honda impacted the driver’s side of the Mazda.

Coombes was properly restrained at the time of the crash. He suffered severe injuries was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Restraint use for the driver and passenger of the Honda is unknown, both suffered moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment on the part of both drivers is unknown and routine toxicology results are pending.

Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions behind the wheel. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and follow all traffic laws. Louisiana law requires that where a stop sign is displayed, after stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles which have entered the intersection from another highway or which are approaching so closely on said highway as to constitute an immediate hazard. Information regarding Louisiana traffic laws can be located at www.legis.la.gov