Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on March 5 around 2:15 pm on I-49 north of Natchitoches. The crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Fletda R. Arterberry of Tyler, TX.

The initial investigation revealed that a 1998 Chevrolet truck and a Can-Am Spyder, driven by Arterberry, were southbound on I-49. For reasons still under investigation, Arterberry failed to slow down and rear-ended the Chevrolet. After impact, the Can-Am became engulfed in flames.

Arterberry sustained fatal injuries and was transported to a local medical facility where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Chevrolet, who was restrained, sustained no injuries. A toxicology sample was 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.