Louisiana State Police are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash in Bienville Parish that claimed the life of 27-year-old Natalie Waller of Bastrop late Saturday night. The deadly wreck has left family members and the community grieving as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Troopers from LSP Troop G were called to the crash site around 10:35 p.m. on December 6 after receiving reports of a severely damaged vehicle along Louisiana Highway 155 near Toby Road.
According to early findings, the crash involved a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 33-year-old Tanner Hill of New Port Richey, Florida. Investigators say Hill was traveling northbound when the truck suddenly left the roadway and slammed into a tree. The impact caused catastrophic damage to the passenger side of the vehicle, where Waller was seated. Despite being properly restrained, she sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Hill, who was also wearing a seat belt, survived the crash with minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. As troopers conducted their on-scene assessment, they observed signs that led them to suspect impairment on Hill’s part. Following further evaluation, he was taken into custody and later booked into the Bienville Parish Jail on a charge of vehicular homicide, a serious felony under Louisiana law.
As part of the standard investigative procedure, toxicology samples were collected from Hill and are currently pending laboratory analysis. These results will help determine the type and extent of any substances involved at the time of the crash. Louisiana State Police note that outcomes from these tests often play an important role in both the legal process and the reconstruction of events leading up to fatal collisions.
State Police continue to stress that alcohol and drug impairment remain major contributors to deadly crashes across Louisiana each year. Officials urge all motorists to plan ahead, avoid driving under the influence, and make responsible decisions when traveling, especially during late-night hours when impairment-related crashes tend to increase. Troopers also encourage drivers to avoid distractions, wear seat belts at all times, and remain alert behind the wheel.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and additional details may be released as troopers complete their review. For now, the loss of Natalie Waller serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly impaired driving can lead to irreversible tragedy for families and communities alike.
