Warden, Louisiana – A head-on collision along Louisiana Highway 17 claimed two lives and left a teenager hospitalized Tuesday night, drawing renewed attention to road safety in Richland Parish.
According to the Louisiana State Police, troopers began investigating the fatal crash shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. The collision occurred just north of Louisiana Highway 855, involving a 2012 Ford Fusion and a 2022 GMC Terrain. Authorities reported that 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps both died in the crash.
Investigators allege that Myers was driving the Ford Fusion south on Louisiana Highway 17, while the GMC Terrain, driven by 18-year-old Alexis Cox, was traveling north. For reasons still under investigation, Cox allegedly crossed the centerline and struck the Ford head-on in the southbound lane.
Police stated that both Myers and Washington, a front-seat passenger in the Ford, were not wearing seat belts and suffered fatal injuries—Myers dying at a local hospital and Washington pronounced dead at the scene. Cox, who authorities say was properly restrained, allegedly sustained moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected from the drivers and will be analyzed as the investigation continues.
State police emphasized that properly wearing seat belts remains among the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in crashes. They reminded the public that Louisiana law requires all vehicle occupants to remain buckled up at all times.
This crash is still under investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop F.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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