Published: 08-03-2024 | Category: Troop E
TROOP E NEWS RELEASE
August 3, 2024
Hineston Woman Killed in Rapides Parish Crash
Rapides Parish – On August 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 121 near Louisiana Highway 1199. This crash claimed the life of 40-year-old Tori Williford of Hineston.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2004 Ford Explorer, driven by Williford, was northbound on Louisiana Highway 121 and attempted to overtake multiple northbound vehicles. For reasons still under investigation, Williford attempted to pass in a no passing zone and did not yield to a 2014 GMC Terrain as it tried to make a left turn into a private driveway. Consequently, the Explorer collided with the Terrain in the southbound lane, resulting in Williford and two additional passengers being ejected from the vehicle.
Williford, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. An adult passenger and a 2-year-old juvenile passenger in the Explorer, who also were not restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The driver and an adult passenger in the Terrain, who were restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
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.
Contact Information:
M/T Casey Wallace
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 266-7275