Warden, Louisiana - A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, shortly before 9 p.m., on Louisiana Highway 17 just north of Louisiana Highway 855, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third. The incident is under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop F, which responded to the scene in Richland Parish.

According to early findings, a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove was traveling south when a 2022 GMC Terrain, operated by 18-year-old Alexis Cox, was heading north on the same roadway. For reasons still being determined, Cox crossed over the centerline and collided head-on with Myers’ vehicle in the southbound lane.

In the Ford Fusion, both Myers and her passenger, 59-year-old James Washington of Epps, were not wearing seat belts. Myers suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. Washington, seated in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, Cox, who was properly restrained with a seat belt, received moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Routine toxicology samples were collected from those involved, which is standard practice in fatal highway incidents. These samples will undergo laboratory analysis as part of the ongoing investigation, which may help clarify any factors that contributed to the crash.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate how and why Cox’s vehicle crossed the centerline, and no additional contributing factors have been released at this time. The Louisiana State Police remind motorists that seat belt use is a critical safety measure, as being unrestrained increases the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.