Louisiana State Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatality Crashes Involving Impairment May 21, 2019

Louisiana State Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatality Crashes Involving Impairment May 21, 2019

From Louisiana State Police Troop A, Livingston Parish – Within the span of a few hours, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated two separate fatal crashes in Livingston Parish. The crashes took the lives of 59-year-old Donna Ray of Denham Springs and 50-year-old Jeffery Crayton of Ponchatoula.

The first crash occurred shortly before 3:00 pm on May 21, 2019, on LA Hwy 16 north of LA Hwy 1032. The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as 45-year-old Todd Green of Denham Springs was driving a 2005 Ford F150 northbound on LA Hwy 16. At the same time, Ray was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 16 in a 2006 Toyota Camry. For reasons still under investigation, Green crossed the centerline and the Ford struck the Toyota head-on.

Ray was properly restrained at the time of the crash; however, she sustained serious injuries and was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge for treatment. While there Ray ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Impairment is not suspected on the part of Ray, but a toxicology sample was obtained from her and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Green was also restrained at the time of the crash. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Oschner Medical Center in Baton Rouge for treatment. Impairment is suspected on the part of Green, and a toxicology sample was taken from him to be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for further analysis. Troopers arrested Green and will book him into the Livingston Parish Jail upon his release from the hospital for violating LRS 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide, LRS 14:98 DWI, LRS 14:108 Resisting an Officer, LRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension, LRS 32:300 Open Container, and LRS 32:79 Improper Lane Usage. This crash remains under investigation.

The second crash occurred shortly before 4:00 pm on May 21, 2019, on LA Hwy 22 south of LA Hwy 444. The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Crayton was driving a 2007 Chrysler Aspen westbound on LA Hwy 22. For unknown reasons, the Aspen crossed the centerline and ran off the roadway to the left. The vehicle then entered a ditch and struck a tree bordering the roadway.

Crayton was properly restrained at the time of the crash, but was pronounced deceased on scene by the Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is suspected on the part of Crayton, and a toxicology sample was obtained from him and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Time and time again, Troopers witness preventable motor vehicle crashes such as this one. Whether by alcohol or narcotics, nearly half of the fatal crashes in Louisiana are caused by impaired drivers. Louisiana State Police urge motorists to have a plan in place that includes a designated driver when consuming alcohol. Furthermore, Troopers wish to remind motorists that child safety seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash. When properly installed and used, child safety seats can greatly reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury for children.

Contact Information:
TPR Taylor J. Scrantz
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
[email protected]
www.lsp.org
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