Three From Louisiana Killed, One Child Critically Injured in Morning Two-Vehicle Crash on US 71
Grant Parish, Louisiana – Three people from Louisiana were killed and one child was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash on US 71 in a morning crash.
On April 28, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported that Troopers from Troop E responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. 71 at Louisiana Highway 1241 at around 7:00 a.m. This crash killed Joseph Kirk III, 24, of Boyce, Louisiana, Brittney Johnson, 30, of Colfax, Louisiana, and a 10-year-old juvenile from Colfax, Louisiana.
According to Louisiana State Police, the initial inquiry found that Kirk was driving a 2004 Toyota Corolla southbound on US Highway 71. Kirk was reportedly attempting to pass many vehicles for unknown reasons when he failed to yield to a northbound 2023 Mazda CX5. As a result, the Toyota collided head-on with the Mazda.
Kirk and the 10-year-old passenger, who were not restrained, died as a result of their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson, who was restrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Another unrestrained 4-year-old juvenile passenger suffered severe injuries and was sent to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Mazda, who was restrained, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Routine toxicological samples were collected and analyzed. The crash is still being investigated.
The Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important decisions a driver can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt use can greatly increase the chances of survival by distributing forces across the body’s strong bones and preventing ejection. Please be a responsible driver or passenger and buckle up every time you ride. Visit the Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Law for more information on child passenger safety.
Every second Wednesday of the month, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E conducts monthly child passenger safety seat check-up activities. Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 501 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, will host the event. There is no need for an appointment, and it is always free.
Troop E has investigated 19 fatal crashes so far in 2023, resulting in 22 deaths.