In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, 29-year-old Latica Woods, the sister of Memphis rapper Big Boogie, was killed during a high-speed police chase in Hazen, Arkansas. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) reported that Woods was a passenger in a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 30-year-old Torquilo Hamrich when the crash occurred on Tuesday.

The pursuit began when an ASP trooper observed the pickup committing a traffic violation near the I4173 mile marker in Lonoke County and attempted to pull it over. Instead of stopping, Hamrich accelerated, leading officers on an 18-mile chase at speeds exceeding 120 mph, weaving through traffic and passing vehicles on the shoulder. The chase ended when a trooper employed a tactical vehicle intervention, commonly known as a pit maneuver, causing the truck to crash into a ditch.

The crash ejected Woods from the vehicle, resulting in her death at the scene. ASP officials attributed Woods’ death to Hamrich’s reckless driving, with Colonel Mike Hager stating, “This tragedy is a direct result of the suspect’s reckless selfish actions.” He emphasized the dangers fleeing suspects pose to communities and reaffirmed that state troopers will not ignore such behavior.

Big Boogie, whose real name is John Lots, took to Instagram to mourn the loss of his sister, sharing heartfelt memories and expressing his deep sorrow. He described Woods as not just his sister but as “everybody’s sister,” highlighting the profound impact of her loss on friends and family alike. His emotional posts resonated with many, reflecting a shared grief within the community.

Hamrich, a registered sex offender, also had active warrants from Shelby County for probation violations. Following the crash, he was taken to a local hospital in stable condition and later arrested. Another passenger, a 26-year-old woman from Memphis who was also ejected during the crash, was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center in critical condition.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, authorities reported finding two firearms, a quantity of cash, marijuana, and promethazine in the truck, which raises further concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of individuals who flee from law enforcement, as well as the potential consequences of high-speed chases. While some argue that police should exercise caution in high-stakes pursuits, others emphasize that the reckless choices of suspects can lead to devastating outcomes.

As the investigation continues, the ASP has indicated that charges against Hamrich related to Woods’ death are pending. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a beloved figure and the senseless violence that led to this tragedy.