Ragley, Louisiana - On February 25, 2025, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D began an investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on Louisiana Highway 12, just west of U.S. 171. The incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Kelly Williams, a resident of DeRidder, Louisiana.

According to preliminary findings, Williams was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban westbound on Louisiana Highway 12 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway to the right. The Suburban subsequently collided with a concrete pillar, leading to the tragic outcome.

Williams was properly restrained at the time of the crash, but despite this safety measure, she sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Two juvenile passengers in the vehicle were also restrained and sustained minor injuries, while a third juvenile passenger suffered moderate injuries, with seatbelt usage for that individual currently undetermined.

In the wake of the incident, a standard toxicology sample was collected from the driver and submitted for analysis, which is routine in such investigations to determine if substances may have played a role. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the contributing factors behind this unfortunate incident.

Louisiana State Police urge all drivers and passengers to remain vigilant about safety practices, including the consistent use of seatbelts, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash.