Dasharay Ben’e, 23, Arrested in Louisville Logan Street Crash, Obituary: Authorities Carry Out Investigations
A 23-year-old woman, Dasharay Ben’e, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following a devastating crash in the Smoketown neighborhood that claimed the life of 19-year-old A’yanna Wilbanks and left two others injured. Authorities say Ben’e was driving under the influence, with a recorded blood alcohol concentration of 0.168—more than twice the legal limit.
The crash happened around 4:53 p.m. on May 14, 2026, in the 700 block of Logan Street. According to Louisville Metro Police, Ben’e was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when she lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a building. The impact was severe, causing significant damage to the structure and leaving a chaotic scene in its wake. Emergency responders arrived to find debris scattered across the area and multiple injured occupants inside the vehicle.
Inside the car were three people. A’yanna Wilbanks, 19, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials later confirmed her cause of death as blunt force trauma from the collision. The two other occupants, including the driver, were transported to the University of Louisville Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to survive.
For those who knew A’yanna, the loss is unbearable. She is remembered as a young woman full of potential, deeply loved by her family and friends. At just 19, she stood at the beginning of adulthood, with a future that has now been painfully cut short. Her absence has left a void that those closest to her are struggling to comprehend.
Following the crash, Ben’e was taken into custody and later charged with multiple offenses, including vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, failure to maintain insurance, and DUI. She reportedly told investigators she had consumed only one margarita, though toxicology results showed significant intoxication. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 26.
The Smoketown community has been left shaken by the tragedy, mourning a life lost far too soon while grappling with the consequences of impaired driving. As the investigation continues, residents and family members alike are left with grief, unanswered questions, and a deep sense of sorrow over what officials describe as a preventable loss.
A’yanna’s loved ones now face the painful task of laying her to rest while holding onto memories of the joy, love, and presence she brought into their lives. Though her life ended suddenly and tragically, those who knew her hope she will be remembered for who she was, not only for how she died.