Tragic UTV Accident Claims Two Lives in Benton Including a Child

Tragedy in Benton over the weekend. Saturday night State Police responded to a UTV accident on Merritt Road near Merry Lane. It happened just after 8pm Saturday night.

What Happened in the Accident?

10-year-old Bella Cassell was driving the UTV when she lost control of the side-by-side and it ran off the road and overturned. Cassell was killed and passenger, 31-year-old Callie Durbin also died. Both of them were from Benton.

 There was another child on the UTV at the time and she is being treated for her injuries.

State Police issued this report:

"The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Polaris Ranger Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), driven by Cassell, was traveling east on Merritt Road. For reasons still under investigation, the UTV exited the roadway and overturned. This action caused all occupants to be ejected."

Cassell and Durbin were not buckled up and were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Cassell was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Durbin was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

A juvenile passenger, who was unrestrained in the front seat and not wearing a helmet, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

State Police say impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police remind the public to avoid operating UTVs on public roadways. Additionally, wearing a seat belt and a DOT-approved helmet while in a UTV can significantly reduce your chance of being severely injured or killed in a crash. For more information on Louisiana State Law about UTV operation, visit Legis.la.gov- Off-road vehicles; utility terrain vehicles.