DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — A crossing guard who served Livingston Parish schoolchildren for four decades was killed Thursday afternoon while working her post outside Gray's Creek Elementary in Denham Springs.
Katy Wells was performing her duties as a crossing guard around 3:30 p.m. during afternoon dismissal when she was struck by a vehicle traveling northwest on Louisiana Highway 16, according to Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Jody Purvis. The crash happened near the intersection of Highway 16, also known as Pete's Highway, and Highway 1033, where Gray's Creek Elementary is located.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed the driver was taken into custody at the scene. Sheriff Jason Ard's office said the driver will be booked on charges of vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, first offense.
Wells served the Livingston Parish Public School System and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office in various capacities for the past 40 years. Most recently, she worked as a crossing guard at Gray's Creek Elementary and Seventh Ward Elementary, both in Denham Springs.
In a statement, Purvis described Wells as a true servant to her community who will be deeply missed. The school system asked the public for prayers and support for her family and the many community members she had touched over the years.
Sheriff Ard called the loss devastating, saying Wells was loved and was more than a crossing guard to the parish. He said she took great pride in protecting children and offered prayers to her family.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
