Ringgold, Louisiana - Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G started looking into a fatal single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on School Street on the morning of February 24, 2024, around 11:30. The 7-year-old victim was identified as Kaiden Coke from Ringgold, Louisiana.

Initial findings showed that a 2011 Dodge Ram was parked in a private lot with a driver inside. Meanwhile, Coke was playing with a ball in the same lot. Coke accidentally lost his ball, which then rolled under the Ram. When Coke went to get the ball, the driver, unaware of Coke's presence, backed out of the parking space and hit Coke with the Ram.

Coke was declared dead at the scene by the Bienville Parish Coroner's Office. The driver of the Dodge was unharmed. While impairment is not believed to be a factor, standard toxicology tests were conducted and will be examined. The cause of the crash is still being looked into.

Louisiana State Police said that ensuring the safety of our roads is a top priority for Troopers, who are dedicated to investigating fatal crashes. It can be particularly difficult to handle the aftermath of a fatal crash, especially when children are affected. While every crash is different, there are important safety precautions that can significantly lower the chances of crashes as the weather gets warmer.

Louisiana State Police emphasize the importance of teaching children to never play near cars or trucks. Always make sure to walk around your vehicle and check your surroundings before reversing, rather than relying solely on detection devices. Encourage children to stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk when backing out to ensure they are visible. When driving through residential areas, be extra cautious and attentive, keeping a watchful eye out for children, reducing speed, and remaining vigilant. By following these safety measures, we can collectively contribute to preventing accidents and keeping our communities safe.

So far in 2024, Troop G has looked into four fatal crashes, leading to a total of five fatalities.