BENTON, La. – A quiet stretch of Merritt Road near Merry Lane became the scene of a devastating crash Saturday, April 11, claiming the lives of 31-year-old Callie Durbin Hebert and 10-year-old Bella Cassell. A third juvenile passenger survived but was ejected alongside them.
According to Louisiana State Police, the single-vehicle UTV rolled over after leaving the roadway. None of the three occupants were wearing seat belts or DOT-approved helmets. Impairment is not suspected, though toxicology results are pending.
Now, the Benton Tigers baseball team is stepping up. On April 22 at 5:30 p.m., a Spirit Night fundraiser will direct all entry fees—$5 per person, $20 max per family—to the victims’ families. Food trucks and a player meet-and-greet precede the 6:30 p.m. first pitch.
“We want to rally around these families,” said Coach Dane Peavy. “This is about awareness for UTV safety and celebrating two Benton lives lost too soon.”
Hebert’s father, Brad Durbin, once played on Benton’s first baseball team in 1986. For locals, the tragedy echoes with generational grief.
On Facebook, Ashlee Novak Snyder shared a fundraiser, writing, “If you’re able, please consider helping this family after the tremendous loss of Callie Hebert.” Another community member, Ashley Hays, added, “I can’t imagine what Matt must be going through.”
State police stress that UTVs are not designed for public roadways. As one coach put it: “We’re trying to bring a little light to something tragic.”
