Dasharay Ben’e, 23, Arrested, After 19 Year Old Killed in Logan Street Crash: Authorities Further Investigations
A Louisville woman has been charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence following a tragic crash on Logan Street that claimed the life of a 19-year-old and left two others injured, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Officers were dispatched around 4:53 p.m. Thursday to the 700 block of Logan Street, between South Shelby and South Campbell streets, after reports of a serious injury crash. When they arrived, they found a heavily damaged vehicle with three occupants inside, all of whom had sustained injuries.
Authorities confirmed that 19-year-old Ayanna Wilbanks of Louisville, identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional occupants were transported to UofL Hospital with injuries that were reported as non-life-threatening.
Investigators say early findings indicate the vehicle was traveling northbound on Logan Street at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control and crashed into a building. The impact caused extensive damage to both the vehicle and the structure it struck, underscoring the severity of the collision.
The driver, identified as 23-year-old Dasharay Ben’e, was also injured and taken to the hospital following the crash. Police later arrested her in connection with the incident after toxicology results reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.168, more than twice the legal limit in Kentucky.
According to investigators and court documents, Ben’e stated she had consumed “one margarita” prior to driving. However, authorities say toxicology findings and crash reconstruction evidence point to significant impairment at the time of the collision.
Ben’e now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, operating a vehicle under the influence, and failure to maintain insurance. Officials say the combination of speeding, impairment, and loss of control directly contributed to the fatal outcome.
She made an initial court appearance on Saturday, where her bond was set at $10,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, during which prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence supporting the charges.
The death of Ayanna Wilbanks has left family, friends, and the wider Louisville community grieving, as tributes highlight the loss of a young life with so much ahead. The incident has also renewed local conversations about the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, particularly in urban areas where high-speed collisions can have devastating consequences.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and warn that even small amounts of alcohol can significantly affect judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials complete accident reconstruction analysis and prepare for upcoming court proceedings related to the case.