West Feliciana High School athlete killed in car crash

OSCAR – A West Feliciana High School football and track athlete was killed early Friday morning when he left the highway in Pointe Coupee Parish and struck a tree, state police said.

Rayshon Franklin Jr., 17, was driving on La. 78 west of La. 1 near Parlange around 5:30 a.m. when he left the road and entered a ditch, rolled over and struck a tree, LSP said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The St. Francisville teenager was in his senior year at West Feliciana High School, where he played two sports. Head coach Devin Ducote said Franklin was well-respected by his teammates and coaches.

“Rayshon was a great young man. He was very respectful and a hard worker. He was a guy who always said ‘yes sir,’ ‘no sir,’ and he was quiet but always had a big smile on his face. His teammates loved and appreciated him as well,” Ducote said.

Franklin was born and raised in the parish of St. Francisville. Ducote says Franklin was more than just an athlete or student and left a profound impression.

“We lost a family member… What’s important to us now is making sure these kids know they are loved. They know that Rayshon was adored in this program. They know they are part of a family and a brotherhood that means more than themselves. That’s what we’re going to focus on and give them our love and our full commitment every day.”

According to LSP, Franklin was wearing a seatbelt and there is no evidence of impairment.