DESOTO PARISH, La. – The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana has lost one of its own. Deputy Donna Richardson tragically died in a two vehicle crash, while on duty. The agency provided the following statement:
“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. Deputy Richardson-Below was a beacon of light and impacted all who knew her. Deputy Richardson-Below had been with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office since January of 2019. She had previously been an agent with Louisiana Probation and Parole. We ask you to keep her family as well as her DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office family in your prayers.”
The crash occurred on Highway 84, east of Mansfield, near Louisiana 3248, and was reported to law enforcement by a citizen that lived nearby, the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office told The Shreveport Times.
Louisiana State Police investigators believe a 2008 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Richard Wimer, 33, of Stonewall, was entering a curve while traveling east on U.S. 84 the same time an unmarked DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Ford Crown Victoria, driven by Richardson, 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,” read a news release from state police.
Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
Wimer, who was unrestrained, was moderately injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
