Distracted Driving Behind Saturday Night’s Two Person Fatality Wreck on I-20 in Bossier City

Saturday night on the way home from a birthday dinner with friends, my husband and I were directed to exit from I-220 onto Highway 80 instead of taking I-20 East as we would have normally done, leaving us wondering, what's going on? At 8am Sunday morning, I-20 was still closed between the Racetrack exit and Industrial in Bossier City.

These closures were due to a fatality wreck Saturday, February 27, 2016 that occurred just after 8pm and we're learning now that distracted driving was the cause. Driver impairment is not suspected at this time. I hope you'll join us in praying for the friends and families of all those involved during this time of loss and recovery.

Here's the latest from Sergeant Brian M. Griffith from the Bossier City Police Department:

On February 27, 2016 at approximately 08:11 PM, the Bossier City Police responded to a fatality crash that occurred in the Westbound lane of I-20, just west of the Airline Drive exit. Vehicle #1 traveling Eastbound on I20, crossed over the median into the Westbound lane hitting Vehicle #2 head on. The driver of the Vehicle #1, Ryan Milliken of Monroe, LA stated that he dropped an item in the floorboard and reached pick it up when his knee hit the steering wheel causing him to lose control. Vehicle #1 crossed the median just before the Airline Drive exit, striking Vehicle #2. Vehicle #2 was driven by Heather Hudman of Longbranch, TX. Hudman was pronounced deceased at the scene along with the rear seat passenger of Vehicle #2 Marcy Johnson of Karnack, TX. The front seat passenger of Vehicle #2, Audra Johnson was transported to University Health and is currently listed in critical condition, but her injuries are considered non-life threatening. Audra is the daughter of Marcy Johnson.

 

Milliken was also injured in the crash; he sustained a broken ankle and other minor injuries. He is expected to recover. No impairment is suspected at this time. Any charges are to be determined, as the investigation is ongoing.