RAPIDES PARISH, La. (WNTZ) – Louisiana State Police Troop E is investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred Tuesday morning in LaSalle and Rapides parishes, claiming the lives of two individuals.

The first crash occurred at approximately 5:08 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 127 near Coon Tank Battery Road in LaSalle Parish. According to authorities, 86-year-old William Graham of Jena was driving a 2002 Infiniti northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle. The car left the roadway, struck a telephone pole, and then a tree.

Graham, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology samples were collected and are pending analysis. State Police emphasized that while not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death.

Just under two hours later, at approximately 6:55 a.m., Troop E responded to another crash on Louisiana Highway 121 near Bob Stark Road in Rapides Parish.

Investigators said Shellie Slocum, 52, of Boyce, was driving a 2009 Nissan Altima southbound when her vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2021 Nissan Rogue. Slocum, who was unrestrained, died at the scene. The driver of the Rogue, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Both crashes remain under investigation. Louisiana State Police are reminding motorists of the dangers of distracted and inattentive driving, which continue to be major contributors to crashes across the state.

“A momentary lapse in awareness can have deadly consequences,” the agency stated. “Always stay alert and ensure every occupant in your vehicle is properly restrained.”