Rapides Parish – On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, just before 8:00 a.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on US Hwy 71 near Gene Ball Road. This crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Laura Lee, who was not wearing a seat belt.

The initial investigation revealed a 2009 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Lee, was traveling south on US Hwy 71, behind a 2015 Toyota Corolla. For unknown reasons, Lee struck the rear of the Toyota. This impact caused both vehicles to exit the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the Jeep overturned.

Lee, who was not restrained, was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Rapides Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Both occupants in the Toyota were properly restrained; the driver was not injured, and the passenger was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash; however, routine toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.

In 2022, Troop E has investigated 21 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 deaths.