Two Killed, One Injured in Tragic UTV Crash in Benton
A devastating crash in Benton on the evening of April 11, 2026, has left two people dead and another injured, according to authorities.
Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the single-vehicle crash around 8:15 p.m. on Merritt Road near Merry Lane in Bossier Parish. The incident involved a 2012 Polaris Ranger Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) carrying three occupants.
Preliminary findings indicate that the UTV, driven by 10-year-old Bella Cassell, was traveling eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it left the roadway and overturned. The impact caused all occupants to be ejected from the vehicle.
Cassell, who was not restrained and was not wearing a DOT-approved helmet, sustained severe injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died. A front-seat passenger, 31-year-old Callie Durbin, also unrestrained and without a helmet, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A third occupant, a juvenile passenger, sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities stated that impairment is not suspected as a factor in the crash. However, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis as part of standard procedure.
The crash remains under active investigation as officials work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic incident. The loss has deeply impacted the local community, highlighting the importance of safety measures, including proper restraints and helmet use, when operating or riding in utility terrain vehicles.
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