Sabine Parish – On September 19, 2022, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 171 south of Noble. The crash claimed the life of 68-year-old Edwin G. Procell.

The initial investigation revealed that a Kubota tractor, driven by Procell, was northbound on U.S. 171. For reasons still under investigation, Procell maneuvered from the outside travel lane into the inside travel lane, as a 2021 Peterbilt was attempting to pass the tractor in the northbound inside travel lane. This action placed the tractor in the direct travel path of the Peterbilt, which resulted in a collision.

As a result of the crash, Procell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Peterbilt driver, who was restrained, sustained no injuries. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

In 2022, Troop E Troopers have investigated 36 fatal crashes, resulting in 38 fatalities.