A DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office press release states: “It is with extreme sadness that we report the death of Deputy Donna Richardson-Below who lost her life in a tragic two vehicle crash while on duty…”
The collision happened just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2020, on U.S. Highway 84, west of Louisiana Highway 3248 and east of Mansfield, according to Louisiana State Police.
LSP summary: “The initial investigation revealed a 2008 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall, was entering a curve while traveling east on U.S. Highway 84. At the same time, an unmarked DeSoto Parish Sherriff’s Office’s Ford Crown Victoria, driven by Deputy Richardson-Below, was traveling west on U.S. Highway 84.
“For reasons still under investigation, Wimer lost control of his vehicle and crossed a double yellow line which resulted in the collision with the Deputy’s vehicle. Deputy Richardson-Below, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
“Wimer, who was unrestrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation…”
Deputy Richardson-Below had only been with the Sheriff’s Office since January 2019.
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SOURCES
- DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Louisiana State Police
- KSLA 12
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