Kaitlyn Cheatham, Haven Coutee Killed, Christian Belgard Injured in Rapides, LA, Accident
Rapides Parish, LA -- February 25, 2017, Kaitlyn Cheatham and Haven Coutee were killed, Christian Belgard and two others injured, following an accident.
The Louisiana State Police were called out to the scene at around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of State Highway 1207 and Bethel Road.
According to investigators, 69-year-old Judy Kendrick was traveling northbound on the highway. Ahead of her, a Toyota pickup had been involved in an earlier accident, leaving it flipped over in the roadway. Several pedestrians were in the vicinity of the wrecked pickup. For reasons unclear, Kendrick's vehicle collided into the pickup and the group of pedestrians surrounding it.
As a result of the collision, 14-year-old Cheatham and 15-year-old Coutee suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Belgard, 20, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Rapides Regional Trauma Center. Two other teenagers had minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Kendrick and her passenger were not injured.
Authorities have not reported any charges at this time. They say investigations are still being conducted to determine the cause of the accident.
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