Louisiana High School Football Player Killed in Car Crash

Sad news out of Pointe Coupee Parish as a West Feliciana High School football player was killed after driving off the highway and hitting a tree early Friday morning.

According to Louisiana State Police, 17-year-old Rayshon Franklin Jr. was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry eastbound on LA 78 just west of LA 1 near Parlange around 5:30 am when he went off the road into a ditch, overturned the car, and hit a tree.

Franklin was wearing a seat belt but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The St. Francisville teen was entering his senior year at West Feliciana High School, where he played football and ran track.

Head football coach Devin Ducote told Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ that Franklin was held in high regard amongst his teammates and coaches.

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

Franklin was born and raised in St. Francisville. Ducote says the young man was more than just an athlete or a student and that he will leave behind a profound impact.

"We lost a family member...What it's about right now for us is making sure these kids know that they're loved. They know Rayshon was revered in this program. They know that they are a part of a family and a brotherhood that means something bigger than themselves. We're going to focus on that, and we're going to love and pour into them every single day."

Troopers said they do not suspect impairment, but standard toxicology samples will be taken for analysis.