Unrestrained Louisiana Woman Killed in Early Morning Crash on LA 71

St. Landry Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana woman who was not restrained was killed in an early morning crash on Louisiana 71.

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), Troopers from Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle incident on Louisiana Highway 71 north of Louisiana Highway 361 in St. Landry Parish soon before 12:30 a.m. on June 4, 2023. Melissa A. DeJean, 55, of Henderson, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The crash occurred while DeJean was driving a 2022 Buick Encore north on LA 71, according to the first investigation by State Police. The automobile ran off the road to the left and into the ditch on the west side of the road for unknown reasons. After leaving the road, the Buick collided with an embankment and flipped, ejecting DeJean.

DeJean was not restrained and died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced her deceased at the spot. Louisiana State Police indicated that impairment is unknown and a toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. This crash is still being investigated.

Louisiana State Troopers urge motorists to always make sound judgments when driving. Never drive while inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and always make sure all occupants are securely fastened. While not all car crashes are avoidable, simple precautions like these can frequently mean the difference between life and death.

So far in 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I has investigated 24 fatal crashes that resulted in 27 deaths.