A single-vehicle crash early Friday morning in LaSalle Parish claimed the life of a 16-year-old Deville teen and left six others injured. The 18-year-old driver has been arrested on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the crash at approximately 4:49 a.m. on July 17 on Hunt Road near the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area.
The preliminary investigation found that a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 18-year-old Reese McKenzie of Deville, was traveling north on Hunt Road when, for reasons still under investigation, McKenzie lost control of the vehicle. The truck left the roadway and overturned, ejecting multiple occupants.
State Police said Kent Sanson, 16, of Deville, was among those ejected from the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
McKenzie, who investigators said was not wearing a seat belt, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Five additional passengers, none of whom were restrained, also sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to State Police, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. Investigators believe impairment is a suspected factor in the crash.
Following the investigation, McKenzie was arrested and charged with:
Vehicular homicide
Operating a vehicle while impaired
Careless operation of a vehicle
Open container
Three counts of vehicular negligent injuring
He was transported to the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office for processing. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminds motorists that alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs can significantly impair driving ability by affecting vision, reaction time, judgment, and motor skills.
“If you feel differently, you drive differently,” State Police said, urging drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and never operate a vehicle while impaired.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop E.