Dry Prong Man Killed in Grant Parish Crash (1)

TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

June 14, 2024

Dry Prong Man Killed in Grant Parish Crash

Grant Parish – On June 14, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 167 at Louisiana Highway 196. The crash claimed the life of 79-year-old Ronald E. Futrell of Dry Prong.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2019 Hino commercial vehicle, driven by 28-year-old Nathaniel J. Wicker Jr. of Baker, and a 2012 Nissan Frontier, driven by Futrell, were northbound on U.S. Highway 167. For reasons still under investigation, Wicker failed to slow down and ultimately rear-ended the Nissan.

Futrell, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Wicker, restrained usage is unknown, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. An additional passenger in the commercial vehicle, restrained usage is also unknown, sustained no injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

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 2024, Troop E has investigated 29 fatal crashes, resulting in 31 deaths.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 266-7275

[email protected]