Louisiana Crash on US 171 Claims Life of Two Teens, Injures Others, Speed and Impairment Suspected

By Orion Blake
Published October 27, 2023

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Desoto Parish, Louisiana – Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G were called to the scene of a tragic incident. They commenced their investigation into a fatal crash involving a single vehicle on Rambin Road, just west of U.S. Hwy 171 in Desoto Parish. This devastating crash claimed the lives of two young individuals: 18-year-old Peyton Plunkett from Shreveport, Louisiana, and 18-year-old Seth Battlefield from Haughton, Louisiana.

Initial findings from the investigation indicate that a 2019 Ford F-150, driven by Plunkett, was traveling east on Rambin Road. The exact causes leading to this fateful event are still being examined. However, it is known that the F-150 veered across the centerline, left the roadway, and collided with a tree.

Plunkett and Battlefield were transported to a local hospital, where medical professionals sadly pronounced them deceased.

Additionally, two other teenagers who were not properly restrained during the incident sustained severe injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples have been collected and will be subjected to analysis.

Louisiana State Police have emphasized the importance of preventing such tragic incidents time and time again. Impaired driving and failure to use seat belts consistently emerge as primary causes of fatal crashes across the state. Opting not to drive while impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and always buckling up are critical choices to make.

Furthermore, Louisiana State Troopers extend a reminder to all drivers to adhere to posted speed limits and avoid distractions at all costs. Speeding compromises a driver’s ability to navigate curves or obstacles on the road, extends the distance required to bring a vehicle to a stop, and amplifies the distance traveled while a driver reacts to a sudden situation.

So far in 2023, Troop G has investigated 22 fatal crashes, leading to the loss of 23 lives.