TROOP F NEWS RELEASE – On Thursday, December 28, 2023, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA-546 near CPL Chad Poll Drive. The crash claimed the life of four-year-old Bentley Whittlesey of Eros.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Toyota Corolla, driven by 27-year-old Kaytlin Whittlesey, was traveling south on LA-546. At the same time, a 2009 Ford F-150 was traveling north on LA-546. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota turned left into the travel path of the Ford. As a result, the Ford struck the Toyota.

Bentley Whittlesey, who was properly restrained and the rear seat passenger in the Toyota, received serious injury and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Kaytlin Whittlesey and the driver of the Ford, who were both properly restrained, received minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on December 29th, Bentley Whittlesey was pronounced dead by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. This crash remains under investigation.