The Winnsboro community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 28-year-old Courtney Temple, whose life was tragically cut short in a crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 80 and Weems Road in Richland Parish.
According to Louisiana State Police, Temple was a front-seat passenger in a 2007 Ford F-150 traveling south on Weems Road. Investigators said the vehicle approached the intersection with a green traffic signal and attempted to make a left turn onto U.S. Highway 80 when the crash occurred.
At the same time, a 2013 GMC Sierra, driven by 38-year-old Allen Stewart of Baskin, was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 80. Troopers determined Stewart allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic light and entered the intersection, striking the right side of the Ford.
Temple, who was properly restrained at the time of the collision, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene despite emergency response efforts.
The driver of the Ford also sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Stewart suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Following the investigation, authorities determined Stewart was impaired at the time of the crash. After being released from medical care, he was arrested and booked into the Richland Detention Center on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, resisting an officer, disregarding a traffic-control signal, operating a vehicle while license suspended, and operating without a required vehicle license.
Louisiana State Police confirmed that toxicology samples were collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
As Winnsboro grieves, Courtney Temple is being remembered with deep sadness by those who knew her best, as the community comes together to support her family during this devastating loss.
