Shortly after midnight Monday morning, Louisiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on U. S. Highway 80 near Louisiana Highway 818 just outside the Ruston city limits. The collision claimed the life of the driver of one of the vehicles and a passenger in the other.
The initial investigation revealed a 2003 Buick LeSabre, driven by 24-year-old Malik Hicks of Ruston, was traveling eastbound on Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, the LeSabre crossed over the center line into the westbound lane and struck a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by 51-year-old Robyn Miller of Shreveport.
Hicks, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the Traverse, 55-year-old James Miller Jr. of Shreveport was also pronounced dead at the scene. Restraint use of Miller is unknown due to damage. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis.
Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle 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.
The crash remains under investigation.
In 2021, Troop F has investigated 49 fatal crashes resulting in 59 deaths.
