Staff Reports

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 10 between Richardson and Franklinton. The crash claimed the life of 85-year-old Franklinton resident Billy Ray McKelvy and resulted in the arrest of 49-year-old Denham Springs resident Troy Simoneaux for reckless operation of a motor vehicle and negligent homicide.
The initial investigation led troopers to determine that a 2005 GMC Sierra was traveling east on Highway 10. While traveling east, a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Troy Simoneaux pulled onto Highway 10 from a private business ahead of the Sierra. McKelvy passed Simoneaux’s Tahoe, and the two vehicles continued eastbound on Highway 10.
Shortly after being passed, Simoneaux closed the distance between his vehicle and the Sierra and attempted to pass the Sierra on the left, crossing the centerline in a no passing zone. As Simoneaux attempted to pass, he ran off the left side of the roadway and lost control of his Tahoe. On-scene evidence indicated to troopers that Simoneaux over corrected to the right after running off the road. Simoneaux’s vehicle re-entered the roadway where it then crashed into the left rear quarter panel of the Sierra. The impact caused the Sierra to spin out and overturn several times. An independent witness to this crash reported to troopers that Simoneaux was driving in a reckless and aggressive manner at the time of the crash.
Despite wearing a seatbelt, McKelvy was seriously injured in the crash. He was transported to North Oaks Hospital by Acadian Air-Med. Shortly after arrival, he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced deceased. Simoneaux was also properly restrained at the time of the crash and was not injured. Simoneaux was transported to the Washington Parish Jail, where he submitted a BAC with no trace levels of alcohol. Based on physical evidence and witness statements, troopers charged Simoneaux with reckless operation of a motor vehicle and negligent homicide. He was released to Washington Parish Sherriff’s Office correctional officials.