Fatal crash leaves three dead

Sabine Parish— On May 24, 2023, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 171 south of Zwolle. This crash claimed the lives of 66-year-old Billy Meshell, a 17-year-old juvenile, and a 15-year-old juvenile of Zwolle. The initial investigation revealed that a 2003 GMC pickup truck, driven by Meshell, was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 171. At the same time, a loaded 2012 Peterbilt log truck, also traveling north, began slowing to make a right hand turn. For reasons still under investigation, Meshell failed to decrease his speed and impacted the rear end of the Peterbilt. Meshell, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional juvenile passengers in the GMC, who were not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and were also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Peterbilt, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.