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Slidell – Shortly after 4:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 10 near Fremeaux Avenue in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Athuris Rapp of Gulfport, Mississippi.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as a 2021 Toyota Corrolla, driven by 20-year-old Reubon Kelly of Gulfport, Mississippi was eastbound on Interstate 10. At the same time, a 2003 Mack dump truck was also eastbound on Interstate 10. For reasons still under investigation, the Corrolla struck the rear of the Mack dump truck.

Rapp was a backseat passenger in the Corrolla and was unrestrained at the time of the crash. Rapp sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Kelly and two other passengers sustained moderate injuries due to the crash. Kelly and one passenger were properly restrained and the other passenger was not. Kelly and the two other passengers were all transported to local hospitals. The driver of the Mack was properly restrained and was not injured. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.

 

Contact Information:

TPR William Huggins

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

william.huggins@la.gov

Office: (985) 893-6250