Melville Man Killed in Avoyelles Parish Crash

TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

December 2, 2023

Avoyelles Parish – On December 1, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 107 at Louisiana Highway 107/115. This crash claimed the life of 85-year-old Thomas Whittington.

The initial investigation revealed a 2013 Honda CRV, driven by 34-year-old Tiffany Renz of Jena, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 107. For reasons still under investigation, Renz side-swiped a 2012 Chevrolet pickup truck stopped at the intersection. After this initial impact, Renz continued into the northbound lane of travel and struck a northbound 2007 Honda CRV.

Renz, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Chevrolet, who also was restrained, sustained no injuries. The driver and two additional passengers in the 2007 Honda CRV, who also were restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

Later that afternoon, Troop E was notified that Whittington, passenger in the 2007 Honda CRV, had succumbed to his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

In 2023, Troop E Troopers has investigated 52 fatal crashes resulting in 58 fatalities.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 239-0912

casey.wallace@la.gov