Leesville – On Thursday, November 17, 2022, just after 9:30 p.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a one-vehicle fatality crash on Savage Fork Road, just west of Last Road. This crash claimed the life of an unrestrained three-year-old, Aurora Shafer of Leesville.

The initial investigation revealed a 2020 Kia Optima, driven by 29-year-old Regina Shafer of Leesville, was traveling west on Savage Fork Road. For reasons still under investigation, Shafer exited the roadway and struck a tree.

All occupants were unrestrained and were transported to various local medical facilities. Regina suffered life-threatening injuries and two other passengers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Aurora suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Byrd Regional Medical Center.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash; however, routine toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

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 addition, Troopers would also like to stress the importance of ensuring all child passengers are in a properly installed child safety seat. The public is encouraged to take advantage of free child seat checks, which are held at fitting stations located around the state; each LSP Troop is designated as a fitting station. For more information or to schedule a check for your child’s seat, click on the following link to contact a PIO to assist you: http://www.lsp.org/public.html

In 2022, Troop E has investigated 50 fatal crashes, resulting in 52 deaths.