Tragedy Strikes as Four-Wheeler Crash Claims Life of 6-Year-Old Child in Alexandria

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Alexandria, Louisiana, on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, when a devastating two-vehicle collision involving a passenger car and a four-wheeler claimed the life of a young child and critically injured others. The crash occurred at approximately 6:36 p.m. at the intersection of Culpepper Road and North Boulevard.

According to the Alexandria Police Department, the four-wheeler, which was illegally operating on a public roadway, was being driven by a 12-year-old juvenile and was carrying three younger passengers, aged 10, 6, and 4. Initial findings from the investigation reveal that the ATV failed to obey a posted stop sign at the intersection, leading to a collision with an oncoming car.

Emergency responders from the Alexandria Fire Department and Pafford Ambulance arrived swiftly on scene and administered critical care before transporting all four children to Rapides Regional Medical Center. Tragically, the 6-year-old passenger succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash shortly after arrival. The 4-year-old was treated for minor injuries, while the 10- and 12-year-old children remain in critical condition as of Thursday morning.

None of the children were wearing helmets at the time of the incident, a detail that authorities say underscores the extreme risk involved in ATV usage on public roadways—particularly among unsupervised and underaged operators.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion expressed profound sorrow and frustration over the tragedy:

“Our hearts hurt anytime someone is injured or killed. I personally witnessed the tireless efforts of the first responders from the Alexandria Fire Department and Pafford Ambulance, as well as the emergency staff at Rapides Regional ER — they gave everything they had.”

“The Alexandria Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of the child who lost their life and sends thoughts and prayers to the injured children and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

“But let me be clear: riding an ATV on city streets is illegal and a recipe for disaster. These vehicles are not designed for road traffic, and the consequences can be tragic. I beg our community to quit putting innocent lives at risk.”

As the community mourns this tragic loss, Alexandria Police urge residents to heed safety regulations surrounding the operation of off-road vehicles, which are not permitted for use on city streets under any circumstances. The department also emphasized the importance of proper adult supervision and helmet use for all minors operating or riding ATVs.

The crash remains under active investigation by the Alexandria Police Department’s Traffic Division. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward.

How to Help

If you have any information about this incident or other crimes in the Alexandria area, please contact:

• Alexandria Police Department Detective Division: (318) 441-6416
• APD Dispatch: (318) 441-6559
• Email Tips: [email protected]

You may also submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of CenLa by calling (318) 443-7867. For mobile access, download the Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App where you can leave tips and receive a claim number for potential cash rewards.

As the investigation continues and the community grieves, city officials urge all parents, guardians, and community members to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about safety, accountability, and the life-altering consequences of unsafe behaviors.