Impairment Suspected in Fatal Single Vehicle Crash in Rapides Parish that Claimed the Life of Louisiana Man

Rapides Parish, Louisiana – A single-vehicle crash in Rapides Parish which claimed the life of a Louisiana man is suspected to have been caused by impairment.

On June 8th, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) made a report that on June 9, at approximately 10:35 pm, a fatal one-vehicle crash occurred on Boyd Road and Havens Road. 36-year-old Jerrad S. Merrell of Glenmora, Louisiana was tragically killed in the crash.

Investigations revealed that Merrell’s 2002 Ford F-150 was heading south on Boyd Road when for some unknown reason, the car veered off the road and overturned, tragically ejecting Merrell from the vehicle. Sadly, Merrell was not restrained according to police, suffered fatal injuries, and was declared dead at the scene.

LSP indicated that suspected impairment is a factor in the crash. Toxicology samples were taken and sent for analysis. The crash is still under investigation.

In an announcement, Louisiana State Police reminded all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

Using seat belts correctly can make a huge impact in lessening the likelihood of death or reducing the severity of injury in the event of a crash. Ensuring that all passengers are buckled up can make a world of difference, literally between life and death.

So far in 2023, Troop E has looked into 24 fatal accidents, resulting in 27 fatalities.