Dry Prong Woman Killed in Grant Parish Crash

TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

July 7, 2024

Dry Prong Woman Killed in Grant Parish Crash

Grant Parish – On July 6, 2024, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1241 near Grays Creek Road. This crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Karla Valentine of Dry Prong.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, driven by 22-year-old Shane Goodman of Georgetown, was westbound on Louisiana Highway 1241. For reasons still under investigation, Goodman’s vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment, and struck several trees.

Goodman and Valentine, who were not restrained, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital. An additional passenger, who also was not restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Later that evening, Troop E was notified that Valentine ultimately succumb to her injuries.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 33 fatal crashes resulting in 37 fatalities.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 266-7275

[email protected]