SHREVEPORT, La. -- A hit-and-run crash has sidelined a promising college football player for the season, and his family is hoping someone can help police identify the driver who left the scene.
Darrell Cottonham Jr., a former standout football player at C.E. Byrd High School, was seriously injured on Aug. 2 in a crash at 70th Street and Youree Drive.
His father, Darrell Cottonham Sr., said he received a call about the crash and rushed to the hospital.
“I was in a daze — the call no parent ever wants to get,” Cottonham Sr. said.
Cottonham Jr. told police he was traveling west on 70th Street shortly before midnight. His father said the traffic light had turned green and his son was almost across the intersection when a gray or tan Nissan drove through a red light and struck the passenger side of his truck.
The other driver left the scene.
Scene of hit-and-run accident on Aug. 2 at Youree Dr. and 70th St.
Cottonham Jr. was wearing a seat belt, and several bystanders stopped to help after the crash, his family said.
He underwent successful surgery on a torn tri-cep tendon in his arm as well as debridement on a deep cut. He is expected to return to school at Louisiana Christian University but will continue coming back to Shreveport for follow-up medical care.
Cottonham Jr. had been preparing for the upcoming football season in Pineville and was looking forward to bringing the explosive play he was known for at Byrd to the college level.
His father said the crash has been difficult for his son, who will miss the season after putting in months of work.
Darrell Cottonham Jr. was known for game-changing plays at Byrd H.S.
“His spirits are, he feels real bad that he can’t play because he put in so much work and he was very excited for the season,” Cottonham Sr. said. “But with all the circumstances, he’s doing well.”
He added that the LCU coach and president had reached out to see how the athlete was doing.
Shreveport police are asking anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved to come forward.
Police said someone may recognize the suspect or the vehicle, including someone who may have noticed a neighbor return home with a damaged vehicle or taking a damaged vehicle to a body shop after the crash.
Darrell Cottonham Jr. on the roster of Louisiana Christian University prior to the accident.
“We would, you know, [like to] stir someone’s memory, get them to recognize someone or recognize the vehicle,” Shreveport police spokesman Cpl. Chris Bordelon said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Shreveport police or Caddo Crimestoppers at (318) 673-7373
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