2 adults, 1 child killed in Grant Parish crash; 1 child critically injured

GRANT PARISH, La. (KALB) - According to Louisiana State Police, two adults and one child were killed in a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 71 in Grant Parish around 7 a.m. on Friday morning (April 28).

This crash claimed the lives of Joseph Kirk III, 24, of Boyce, Brittney Johnson, 30 of Colfax, and a 10-year-old child from Colfax.

LSP said that a 2004 Toyota Corolla, driven by Kirk, was heading southbound on Hwy 71. For reasons still under investigation, Kirk was attempting to pass multiple vehicles, but failed to yield to a northbound 2023 Mazda CX5. As a result, the Toyota hit the Mazda head-on.

Kirk and the 10-year-old passenger, who were not restrained, were fatally injured and were pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was also pronounced dead.

An additional 4-year-old juvenile passenger, who was not restrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the Mazda, who was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing their seat belt is one of the most important decisions that a motorist can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body and preventing ejection. Please be a responsible driver or a responsible passenger and buckle up every ride, every time. For more information on child passenger safety visit the Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Law.

Louisiana State Police Troop E conducts monthly child passenger safety seat check-up events on every second Wednesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event takes place at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 501 Medical Center Drive, Alexandria, LA. No appointment is necessary, and it is always free.

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