Clay – On July 26, 2021, shortly before 3:45 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Works Road just west of LA Hwy 818. This crash claimed the life of three unrestrained teenagers.

The initial investigation revealed a 2012 Kia Optima, driven by 19-year-old Lajermanique Nichols of Jonesboro, was traveling east on Works Road. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle began to rotate, traveled off the road and struck a large tree.

Nichols, who was unrestrained, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers inside the vehicle, 17-year-old Lajavion Nichols of Jonesboro and 16-year-old Javious Holden of Jonesboro, were also unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle. Both these passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth occupant, identified as 18-year-old Edward Kary, was also ejected and sustained life threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital.

This crash remains under investigation. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis.

Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

In 2021, Troop F has investigated 30 fatal crashes resulting in 37 deaths.