Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana - On March 6, 2024, around 1:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E arrived at the scene of a collision involving two vehicles on Louisiana Highway 486 located north of Louisiana Highway 6. Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of Diane Thomas, a 66-year-old from Coushatta, Louisiana.

The first examination showed that a 2005 Honda CRV, being driven by Thomas, was traveling in an easterly direction on Louisiana Highway 486. For reasons that are still being looked into, the Honda CRV veered across the centerlines into the westbound lane and crashed head-on into a 2021 Honda Civic.

Thomas, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead. The driver of the Honda Civic, who was also wearing a seatbelt, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Blood samples were taken for routine toxicology testing.

The reason for this crash is still being looked into, but distracted driving is a major factor in crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police is advising all drivers to pay attention while on the road. Being unaware while driving can be extremely dangerous.

So far in 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated a total of 11 deadly crashes, which have led to the loss of 13 lives.