Rapides Parish, LA — A profound sense of sorrow has settled over Oakdale and the greater Rapides Parish community following the tragic death of 13-year-old Kyndal Vidrine, who lost her life in the early morning hours of June 22, 2025, in a devastating UTV accident.
At approximately 12:06 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on West River Road, just south of Louisiana Highway 462. According to the initial investigation, a Can-Am Outlander Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), driven by a juvenile, veered off the road and struck a parked Honda Foreman UTV. The impact caused both juveniles in the Can-Am and the driver of the parked vehicle to be ejected.
Kyndal sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. The juvenile driver and the operator of the parked UTV suffered minor injuries and were treated at the hospital. The incident remains under investigation, and routine toxicology samples have been submitted for analysis.
Today, the community mourns the loss of a young girl whose life was full of promise, laughter, and light. Kyndal Vidrine was known for her bright smile, gentle heart, and the joy she brought into every space she entered. She was a daughter, a friend, a classmate, and a beloved presence among her peers and family.
Her sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Teachers remember her as curious and kind, friends recall her generous spirit, and neighbors speak of a child who left a lasting impact far beyond her years. In a world that sometimes moves too fast, Kyndal’s warmth and innocence reminded everyone of what truly matters — love, family, and kindness.
In the face of this tragedy, the Rapides Parish community is coming together in grief and support. Vigils are being planned, messages of condolence are pouring in, and prayers are being lifted for her family, whose pain is unimaginable. The outpouring of love is a reflection of the life Kyndal lived and the many lives she touched.
Louisiana State Police have also used this heartbreaking incident as an opportunity to remind the public of the importance of UTV safety. Off-road vehicles are not intended for use on public roadways, and operating them in such conditions can result in catastrophic consequences — especially when children are involved. The message is clear: safety must always come first.
As the investigation continues, the community focuses on remembering Kyndal not for the way she left this world, but for the beauty she brought into it. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her — in the classrooms she filled with laughter, the friends she stood beside, and the family who will forever cherish her presence.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days as loved ones prepare to honor her life and say their final goodbyes. In the meantime, the community remains united in mourning — holding close to one another, remembering Kyndal, and promising to never forget the light she brought into this world.
Rest in peace, Kyndal Vidrine.
Gone too soon, but forever in our hearts.
