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Reserve – On August 10, 2023, shortly after 11:00 a.m, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 44 near W. Third Street in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash claimed the life of 76-year-old Mary E. Davis of Mount Airy. 

The initial investigation revealed that 66-year-old Ronald Williams was driving a 2014 Mazda CX9 west on LA 44 near W. Third Street. As Williams continued west, he attempted to pass a vehicle ahead of his that was also traveling west. For reasons still under investigation, as Williams crossed the center of the roadway, he lost control of the vehicle. The Mazda traveled off the roadway and impacted several objects before impacting a residence. 

Davis, who was a passenger in the rear seat, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams and a front seat passenger suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. No one in the residence was injured. Impairment on the part of Williams is unknown and routine toxicology tests are pending.

Speeding, impairment and lack of seatbelt use continue to be the leading causes of fatal crashes. Troopers encourage the public to have a plan in place to avoid driving impaired. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.