Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a three-vehicle collision on Louisiana Highway 107 at Louisiana Highway 107/115, resulting in the death of Thomas Whittington, 85 years old, from Melville, Louisiana.

The collision occurred on December 1, 2023, around 9:00 a.m. The investigation revealed that Tiffany Renz, aged 34 and driving a 2013 Honda CRV, was traveling southbound on Louisiana Highway 107 when she side-swiped a stationary 2012 Chevrolet pickup truck at the intersection for reasons that are still being investigated. Following this initial impact, Renz continued into the northbound lane and collided with a northbound 2007 Honda CRV.

Renz sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital; she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The driver of the Chevrolet and its two passengers also had their seatbelts on and sustained no injuries. However, the driver and two additional passengers in the northbound Honda CRV sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital; they were also wearing seatbelts.

Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis.

Later on December 1, Troop E received notification that Whittington had passed away due to his injuries as a passenger in the northbound Honda CRV. The crash is currently under investigation.

While distracted and inattentive driving is suspected as possible causes of this crash, it remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police reminds all drivers to remain vigilant while operating vehicles as distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents in our state.