In Loving Memory of Ronnie McWilliams and Brenda Janzen

In Loving Memory of Ronnie McWilliams and Brenda Janzen

SHREVEPORT, La. — The community of Shreveport and central Caddo Parish is grappling with an immense loss following the tragic deaths of two cherished residents, Ronnie McWilliams, 27, and Brenda Janzen, 59, who were killed in a devastating two-vehicle collision on North Market Street (LA Highway 1) near Blanchard on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The heartbreaking incident has left families, friends, and the wider community reeling as they mourn lives taken far too soon.

According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred just after noon in the 6000 block of North Market Street. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, transporting Ronnie McWilliams to Ochsner LSU Health. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased at 12:48 p.m. Brenda Janzen, a beloved member of the community, also lost her life in the collision, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family and neighbors.

Ronnie McWilliams was described by friends and family as a young man brimming with life, ambition, and an unyielding spirit. Those who knew him recall a personality that lit up rooms, a laugh that was infectious, and a heart that always sought to lift others up. He pursued his dreams with determination, inspiring those around him with his energy, creativity, and resilience. Ronnie’s passing has left a void in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him—a loss felt profoundly by family, friends, and the wider Shreveport community.

Brenda Janzen, 59, was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and community member. Her life was defined by generosity, compassion, and an enduring love for those around her. Friends and family remember Brenda as a person who always made time for others, offering comfort, guidance, and support whenever it was needed. Her kindness extended beyond her family, touching neighbors and colleagues alike. Brenda’s passing is a deep and lasting loss to all who were blessed to know her, leaving behind countless memories of a life lived with love and grace.

The tragic collision has brought the Shreveport community together in mourning, as residents, friends, and family honor the lives of Ronnie and Brenda. Vigils, tributes, and memorial gatherings are being organized to celebrate their legacies, offering moments for reflection, remembrance, and the sharing of cherished stories. These acts of remembrance highlight the profound impact both Ronnie and Brenda had on the lives they touched.

While state investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the accident, the loss of these two vibrant lives underscores the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones. Ronnie McWilliams and Brenda Janzen may have left this world too soon, but their spirits, the joy they shared, and the love they gave freely will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved them.

In remembering Ronnie and Brenda, the community of Shreveport honors more than just their lives—it honors the kindness, courage, and warmth they brought into the world. Their memories will remain as a guiding light for family, friends, and neighbors, a testament to lives that, though tragically shortened, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Rest in peace, Ronnie McWilliams and Brenda Janzen. Your lives, your laughter, and your love will never be forgotten.