In the quiet rural expanses of Starks, Louisiana and Sulphur, Louisiana, Saturday brought tragedy: two men lost their lives and a third remains critically injured following separate vehicle crashes early and late in the day. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) confirmed both accidents occurred within hours of each other, striking the tight-knit communities hard.
The morning crash happened along Big Woods Starks Road, near Creek Road, where 48-year-old Louis Pool of DeQuincy was driving his pickup southbound. For reasons still under investigation, his truck drifted off the right side of the road. In an attempt to regain control the vehicle rolled, crossed the roadway and came to rest off the left side. Pool was partially ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted he was not wearing a seatbelt — an omission they believe played a significant role in the outcome.
Later that evening, around 11 p.m., the second crash took place on West Dave Dugas Road near Choupique Road in Sulphur. The victim, 37-year-old Randall Ravia of Sulphur, was operating a side-by-side utility vehicle when the rollover occurred as he attempted a turn. Both he and a passenger were ejected. Ravia was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries; the passenger remains in critical but stable condition after being air-lifted to another facility.
CPSO investigators say they are working both scenes to determine what caused the vehicles to lose control — they’ve not ruled out speed, impairment or road conditions as potential factors. Meanwhile, officials reiterated the vital importance of seatbelt use, safe driving and caution on rural roads where hazards can change quickly.
In the wake of the fatalities, the communities of DeQuincy and Sulphur find themselves united in grief. Friends, neighbors and family members are sharing memories of Pool and Ravia — both described as hard-working, caring individuals whose sudden loss has left a void. Vigils and online tributes are already circulating as loved ones search for comfort.
“Just a routine drive turned into a heartbreak,” a CPSO spokesperson remarked, emphasizing how swift tragedy can strike even when the day seems ordinary. The message is clear: on these back roads, a moment’s lapse can have irreversible consequences.
As these communities mourn two lives cut short, they also wait on answers from investigators and hope for healing for the passenger who still fights to recover. The call for vigilance remains: buckle up, stay alert, and respect the road — because the cost of not can be too great.
