Natchitoches Woman Killed in Natchitoches Parish Crash

Campti- On Thursday, October 20, 2022, at just before 6:00 a.m., Louisiana State Troopers assigned to Troop E began investigating a one-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. Hwy 71, just south of Cox Road. This crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Kristin Stephens. The initial investigation revealed a 2013 Kia Optima, driven by Stephens, was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 71. For reasons still under investigation, Stephens traveled off the roadway then struck a culvert and a tree. Stephens, who was wearing her seat belt, was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with life- threatening injuries. She later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor; however, routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. In 2022, Troop E has investigated 42 fatal crashes, resulting in 44