LaSalle Parish and Rapides Parish Crashes Leaves Two People Dead

TROOP E NEWS RELEASE

June 24, 2025

LaSalle Parish and Rapides Parish Crashes Leaves Two People Dead

LaSalle Parish – On June 24, 2025, at approximately 5:08 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 127 near Coon Tank Battery Road. This crash claimed the life of 86-year-old William Graham of Jena.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2002 Infiniti, driven by Graham, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 127. For reasons still under investigation, Graham lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to leave the roadway and impact a telephone pole, then a tree.

Graham, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and 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.

Rapides Parish – On June 24, 2025, at approximately 6:55 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 121 near Bob Stark Road. This crash claimed the life of 52-year-old Shellie Slocum of Boyce.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2009 Nissan Altima, driven by Slocum, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 121. For reasons still under investigation, Slocum’s vehicle crossed the centerlines into the northbound travel lane and collided head-on with a 2021 Nissan Rogue.

Slocum, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the Nissan Rogue, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were 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.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 266-7275

[email protected]