Driver Killed in Caldwell Parish Crash
Kelly – On Thursday, December 22, 2022, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on U.S. Hwy 165 north of LA Hwy 843. This crash claimed the life of 73-year-old Sherry M. Bates of Kelly.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Ford F250, driven by 30-year-old Cody Culpepper from Columbia was driving north on U.S. Hwy 165 behind a 2015 Ford Explorer, driven by Bates. For reasons still under investigation, Culpepper struck the rear end of the Explorer and caused both of the vehicles to exit the roadway.
Bates, who was restrained, suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Caldwell Parish Coroner’s Office. Culpepper, who was unrestrained, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor; however, routine toxicology samples were submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.
In 2022, Troop F has investigated 31 fatal crashes, resulting in 34 deaths.
Contact Information:
M/T Javier Leija
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
