Unrestrained Louisiana Juvenile Killed, Two Others Injured in Rollover Crash on LA 18

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on July 20, 2022, that on July 19, 2022, shortly after 8:00 p.m., LSP Troop C was notified of a single-vehicle serious injury crash on Louisiana Highway 18 near Locap Road. Ramiya Sowell, 15, of St. James, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

According to preliminary findings, a 2005 Honda Accord driven by a 17-year-old juvenile was traveling north on LA Hwy 18. The Honda went off the road to the right while in a curve for reasons that are still being investigated. The driver attempted to regain control by steering to the left, but overcorrected, causing the Honda to travel across the roadway before overturning after going into a ditch.
The Honda driver and two juvenile passengers were all unrestrained at the time of the crash and were ejected from the vehicle. Sowell suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in the Baton Rouge area, where she died. The driver and the remaining passenger were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

A standard toxicology sample was taken from the driver and sent for testing. This crash is still being investigated.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers 14-18 years old in the United States, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Teens are more likely to drive distracted, whether by a phone or by other passengers, to speed, to not wear a seatbelt, and to take risks behind the wheel. Many of these fatal teenage car accidents could have been avoided. Discuss with your teen drivers the consequences of not making good decisions when driving or riding in a vehicle. Conversations you have today could have a huge impact on your life tomorrow.

So far in 2022, Troop C has investigated 29 fatal crashes that resulted in 33 deaths.