West Monroe – On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a three-vehicle crash which occurred on Interstate 20 west of Louisiana Highway 546. This crash claimed the life of 71-year-old Linda Watson Tillis of Dallas, Texas.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 GMC Sierra, driven by 51-year-old Jonathan Rogers of Jonesboro, was westbound on Interstate 20. At the same time, a 2003 Ford F-150, occupied by Tillis, was stopped on the right shoulder of Interstate 20 behind an unoccupied commercial motor vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC Sierra crossed the fog line and struck the rear end of the Ford F-150 which caused it to hit the trailer of the commercial motor vehicle.
Tillis, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the GMC Sierra, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were submitted for analysis.
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. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving and to get plenty of rest in order to remain alert.
In 2023, Troop F has investigated nine fatal crashes, which have resulted in 10 fatalities.
Contact Information:
M/T Javier Leija
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
Javier.leija@la.gov
