Metairie, Louisiana - A Metairie woman died following a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 west that investigators believe occurred during a medical emergency early Saturday morning in Jefferson Parish.
Selenta James, 49, of Metairie, Louisiana, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after her 2022 Nissan Murano struck a concrete support pillar at the Causeway Boulevard exit around 12:45 a.m. on September 13, 2025.
Louisiana State Police Troop B troopers began investigating the crash after discovering James' vehicle had traveled off the roadway and into the grass near the exit ramp. According to the preliminary investigation, a trooper observed the Murano and approached to make contact with the driver.
The trooper determined James appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency and attempted to gain entry to the vehicle. While the officer was trying to reach James, the Murano suddenly accelerated forward and collided with the concrete support pillar of the Causeway Boulevard overpass.
James was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries in the collision. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
State police investigators do not suspect impairment played a role in the crash. However, routine toxicology tests are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
The crash temporarily impacted traffic flow on the busy interstate corridor, which connects New Orleans to points west across Louisiana. The Causeway Boulevard exit serves as a major connector between I-10 and the suburban communities north of the city.
Medical emergencies while driving can create dangerous situations for motorists and other travelers. Common medical events that affect driving ability include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and diabetic episodes that cause sudden changes in blood sugar levels.
Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The department has not released additional details about the specific nature of James' medical emergency.