A’yanna Wilbanks, Louisville, KY Accident Death Obituary: Dasharay Ben’e Arrested in Fatal Smoketown Crash, Authorities Further Investigations
A 23-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood that claimed the life of 19-year-old A’yanna Wilbanks and left two others injured. Authorities say the driver, Dasharay Ben’e, was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence, with a recorded blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.168—more than twice the legal limit in Kentucky.
The crash occurred around 4:53 p.m. on May 14 in the 700 block of Logan Street, between South Shelby Street and South Campbell Street. According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, Ben’e was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when she lost control of the vehicle and struck a building. The impact caused extensive damage to both the car and the structure, though no one inside the building was injured.
Inside the vehicle, 19-year-old A’yanna Wilbanks suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later confirmed her cause of death as blunt force trauma. Two other occupants, including the driver, were transported to the University of Louisville Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators say evidence, including toxicology results and crash reconstruction findings, indicates that impairment and excessive speed played a major role in the collision. While court records note that Ben’e told authorities she had consumed “one margarita” prior to driving, officials reported that her BAC level reflected significant intoxication that would have severely affected her judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Ben’e now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, failure to maintain insurance, and operating a vehicle under the influence. Authorities say the combination of intoxication and high-speed driving led directly to the fatal outcome.
She appeared in court on May 16, where bond was set at $10,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 26, during which prosecutors are expected to present further evidence as the case moves forward. If convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence, she could face a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years.
The death of A’yanna Wilbanks has left the Louisville community grieving, as friends, family, and residents remember a young life cut tragically short. The incident has also renewed concern and discussion around impaired driving and road safety, particularly the dangers of alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the crash as they complete reconstruction analysis and prepare for upcoming court proceedings.