RESERVE, LA – On Friday, February 23, 2024, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 44 at LA 3179 (East 22nd St.) in Reserve. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 67-year-old Beverly Creecy of Reserve.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Creecy was driving a 2021 Kia Soul eastbound on LA 44, approaching the LA 3179 intersection. At the same time, a 2016 Thomas Saf-T-Liner school bus, driven by 39-year-old Erica Fisher of Laplace, turned west onto LA 44 from LA 3179. For reasons still under investigation, as Fisher conducted the right turn, the school bus entered the eastbound lane and impacted the front of the Kia.
Creecy, who was properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Fisher was also properly restrained, suffered minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. There were 28 juvenile passengers on the school bus at the time of the crash, none of whom were injured. As part of the ongoing investigation, standard toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and will be submitted for further 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. Troopers want to remind everyone that a lapse in awareness can lead to severe consequences. Although not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like wearing a seatbelt, following all traffic laws, and adhering to speed limits increases safety on the road.
