A tragic collision in Concordia Parish has left a Ferriday woman dead, authorities announced. According to the Louisiana State Police, the incident happened on U.S. Highway 84 at Nations Road at around 9:30 p.m. yesterday. Lekita L. Mehta, a 39-year-old local resident, suffered fatal injuries in a crash involving two vehicles, one of which was driven by a suspected impaired driver.
The preliminary report indicates that Rozaven P. Thompson, 35, of Clayton, was heading west in a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu before veering across the centerlines into oncoming traffic and crashing into a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu; both Thompson and Mehta were unrestrained at the time, the former incurred moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, whereas Mehta did not survive the impact. The driver and the passenger of the impacted car, however, walked away unharmed, credit to their seat belts.
Thompson now faces charges of driving while intoxicated (1st offense) following his arrest amidst the ongoing investigation by state troopers. While impairment is suspected to have been a contributing factor, authorities have submitted routine toxicology samples for analysis to confirm this suspicion. Additional charges might be forthcoming as the details of the case continue to unfold.
In light of the circumstances, the Louisiana State Police has issued a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, stating "if you feel differently, you drive differently," they stress the risks involved with alcohol and drugs—how they impair motor functions and reaction times, therefore, they're advising motorists to make responsible choices and designate a sober driver, thus averting potential disasters such as the one that claimed Mehta's life.
