Covington, Louisiana - A two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 25 in St. Tammany Parish claimed the life of a Folsom woman on October 27, 2025, according to Louisiana State Police Troop L.
Rachel Bitter, 39, of Folsom, Louisiana, died from injuries sustained in the head-on collision that occurred near Sweet Olive Lane at approximately 6:25 p.m. Troopers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a crash with serious injuries.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 2015 Ford E250 van was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 25 while Bitter drove northbound in a 2013 Cadillac ATS. Investigators determined the Ford crossed the centerline into the northbound lane and struck the front left side of Bitter's Cadillac.
Despite being properly restrained with a seatbelt, Bitter sustained serious injuries in the impact. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The driver of the Ford, who was also wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries in the crash but refused medical treatment at the scene. Louisiana State Police did not release the identity of the Ford driver.
As part of standard protocol in crashes involving serious injuries or fatalities, troopers obtained routine toxicology samples from both drivers for analysis. The samples will be sent to a laboratory to determine if impairment played a role in the crash.
Investigators have not yet determined why the Ford crossed the centerline. The crash remains under active investigation, and Louisiana State Police stated that charges are pending against the driver of the Ford.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.