On May 9, 2019, shortly before 5:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 79, just south of the Claiborne Parish line. This crash took the life of a Nebraska man.
According to the Louisiana Stae Police the initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as a 2013 Ford Explorer, driven by 37-year-old Cheryl Toney of Homer, was traveling north on U.S. 79. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line into the southbound lane and collided with a 2009 Toyota Sienna driven by 80-year-old Janet Moss of Shreveport.
Moss, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport. Moss’ passenger, 77-year-old John Hylan of Denton, NE, was also properly restrained and pronounced dead at the scene by Webster Parish Coroner’s Office.
Toney, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries during the crash. She was transported to Claiborne Memorial Medical Center in Homer. Toney’s passenger, 70-year-old Shirley Prince of Homer, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Oschner LSU Health in Shreveport.
Toney was placed under arrest at Claiborne Memorial Medical Center on charges of vehicular homicide, negligent injuring (2 counts), and driving left of center. Voluntary toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police wish to remind motorists that avoiding all distractions, obeying the posted speed limit, avoiding fatigued driving, and not driving while impaired can often mean the difference between life and death. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body. They can impair visual ability, alter 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.
In 2019, Troop G has investigated eight fatal crashes resulting in eight deaths.