Hodge, Louisiana - A single-vehicle fatal crash on LA 542 west of LA 813 occurred on Sunday, May 12, 2024, shortly after 7:00 p.m., claiming the life of 38-year-old Renalda Harland of Chatham, Louisiana. The incident is currently under investigation by Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Harland was driving a 2022 Honda Accord eastbound on LA 542 when the vehicle struck a tree that had fallen across both lanes of the highway. Despite being properly restrained, Harland suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two juvenile passengers, also properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and Troopers are urging motorists to exercise caution while driving. "Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted," they emphasized. "Follow all traffic laws and ensure that every occupant is properly restrained." While not all crashes are survivable, taking these simple precautions can often mean the difference between life and death.
This fatal crash marks the 15th investigated by Troop F in 2024, resulting in a total of 16 deaths.