Richland Parish, Louisiana - Early on the morning of November 8, 2023, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop F launched an investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash on I-20 west of Start. The crash tragically took the life of Joanne Byrd-Roberts, a 70-year-old resident of Denison, Texas.

According to the initial findings, Byrd-Roberts was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu heading west on I-20 when the vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree. Despite being properly restrained, she sustained fatal injuries and passed away at the scene. While there is no suspicion of impairment, standard toxicology samples were gathered for analysis.

Louisiana State Police urges drivers to reduce speed, fasten their seat belts, and minimize distractions while behind the wheel. They emphasize that regardless of who you are or what you drive, crashes can have devastating consequences. Driving at higher speeds significantly heightens the risk of severe injury or death; not wearing a seat belt further amplifies this danger.

In 2023 alone, Troop F has handled 36 fatal crashes resulting in 44 fatalities.