The Stonewall, Louisiana, community is mourning the deaths of Benny West, 63, and Christopher Graham, 43, two DeSoto Parish residents who were killed following a late-night two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 171.

According to information provided by Louisiana State Police, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 171 and Stonewall-Frierson Road. West and Graham were traveling in a Chevrolet SUV when it was involved in a collision with a northbound semi-truck.

Fatal U.S. Highway 171 Crash

Preliminary information from Louisiana State Police indicates that the Chevrolet SUV was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 171 and was attempting to turn left onto Stonewall-Frierson Road when the collision occurred.

The impact left both West and Graham with critical injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, where both were later pronounced dead.

The driver of the semi-truck was also injured in the crash and was transported to a hospital. The driver’s injuries were reported to be minor.

The deaths of West and Graham have left their families, friends and members of the DeSoto Parish community grieving. Their lives were cut short in a collision that occurred late at night on a busy Louisiana highway.

Investigation Into the Crash

Louisiana State Police Troop G is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. Investigators are working to establish the sequence of events leading up to the crash and determine precisely how the two vehicles collided.

According to the information available, impairment is not currently suspected as a contributing factor. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities may release additional information as investigators complete their work.

No further conclusions about responsibility should be drawn while the investigation remains active.

Remembering Benny West and Christopher Graham

For the families of Benny West and Christopher Graham, the ongoing investigation cannot lessen the immediate pain of losing two loved ones.

West, 63, and Graham, 43, were members of the DeSoto Parish community, and their deaths have brought sorrow to those who knew them. Friends and relatives are now left to remember the two men for their individual lives, relationships and the memories they shared with those around them.

Their deaths also serve as a painful reminder of how quickly a routine journey can turn into a devastating tragedy.

As investigators continue examining the circumstances of the U.S. Highway 171 collision, loved ones are beginning the difficult process of mourning and honoring the lives of Benny West and Christopher Graham.

Both men will be remembered by their families, friends and members of the Stonewall community whose lives they touched.