Dodson Woman and Juvenile Passenger Killed in Jackson Parish Crash

Jackson Parish – On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 167 south of Louisiana Highway 147.  This crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Katelyn D. Granger and seven-year-old Anna P. Rivers.  

 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Granger was driving north on U.S. Highway 167 in a 2014 Honda CRV.  At the same time, a northbound Jackson Parish school bus was stopped to allow a child to exit.  For reasons still under investigation, the Honda CRV struck the rear end of the school bus.  

 

Granger, who was restrained, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Rivers, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Office.  Two additional juveniles, who were properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  The driver of the school bus was properly restrained and was not injured.  The juvenile passengers on the school bus either were not injured or received minor injuries.  Impairment is not suspected at this time; however, routine toxicology samples were submitted for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

 

Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind the public of the following: inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state.  In addition, motorists must ensure all passengers are properly restrained, regardless of the length of travel.

 

In 2023, Troop F has investigated six fatal crashes, which have resulted in seven fatalities.

 

M/T Javier Leija

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 345-2810

Javier.leija@la.gov