Calhoun, Louisiana - A fatal two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 151 south of Highway 144 took the life of a West Monroe resident Sunday night, according to Louisiana State Police. The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. on June 22, 2025, when a 2015 GMC Sierra, driven by 27-year-old Noah Short, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2016 Nissan Sentra traveling in the opposite direction.

Authorities identified the victim as 36-year-old Rachel Rushing, the driver of the Nissan Sentra. Officials reported that Rushing was properly restrained but suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A front seat passenger in the Nissan, who was also properly restrained, was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation suggests that Short, traveling southbound, entered the northbound lane for reasons still under review by troopers. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash but escaped without injury. Law enforcement officials collected routine toxicology samples from both drivers. At this time, impairment is not suspected, though the incident remains an active investigation.

Fatal traffic crashes are an ongoing concern in Louisiana. Recent statistics show that the state has a higher rate of deadly incidents than the national average, with approximately one fatal crash occurring every 12 to 13 hours.