Natchitoches Parish – On February 24, 2020, just after 11:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle, fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 174 east of Interstate 49. This crash claimed the life of a Natchitoches woman.

The initial investigation revealed a 2002 Toyota Camry, driven by 26-year-old Teshika Delry, was traveling westbound on Louisiana Highway 174. For reasons still under investigation, Delry traveled off the right side of the highway and into a ditch. Delry then overcorrected her steering which caused her vehicle to travel across the westbound travel lane and collide with a 2007 Dodge pickup truck traveling eastbound.

Delry, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, who was properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself in a crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.

In 2020, Troop E has investigated seven fatal crashes resulting in eight deaths.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Deputies, Red River Parish Sheriffs Deputies, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Red River EMS, Natchitoches Parish Coroners Office and La DOTD also responded to the the scene to assist Louisiana State Police.