Ouachita Parish, Louisiana - A passenger was killed and drivers were injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash on LA 837 in Ouachita Parish.
A deadly two-car collision, which took place near LA Highway 837 and LA Highway 151, was investigated by Louisiana State Police Troop F on Monday, August 21, 2023, just before 4:00 in the morning. The crash took the life of Patricia Eley, 51, from Simsboro, Louisiana.
An initial investigation disclosed that a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Jamie Bell was moving northwards on LA Hwy 837. Simultaneously, Anthony Cappo steered a 2005 Dodge Ram going south on the same road. The reasons are yet to be determined, but both vehicles strayed over the middle line and collided head-on with each other.
Eley, who was properly secured and a passenger in the Dodge, was declared dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner's Office. Both drivers were also properly restrained, sustained minor injuries, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Although it's unclear if impairment played a role in the crash, standard toxicology samples were taken for further testing. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.
Always drive consciously and unimpaired to ensure road safety. Resist engaging in distracting behaviors such as texting, eating, or fiddling with your phone, maintaining a clear focus on the road ahead. Likewise, refrain from driving if you've consumed alcohol or drugs, be they legal or illegal. By making sensible decisions when you're behind the wheel, you could help save lives and avert disastrous incidents.
In 2023, 23 deadly crashes have been investigated by Troop F, which altogether led to 26 fatalities.