Delhi, LA – A tragic crash on U.S. Highway 80 near Louisiana Highway 609 resulted in the death of a 1-year-old child on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred just before 1:00 p.m. on April 13, 2025, is currently under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop F.
According to preliminary reports, Shanice Kyles, 27, was driving eastbound in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. The car struck a tree and subsequently overturned, causing severe injuries to her daughter, Amella Kyles, who was improperly restrained in the rear seat.
The child was transported to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. Shanice Kyles, who was wearing her seatbelt, sustained only minor injuries. Another child passenger, also improperly restrained in the back seat, similarly received minor injuries in the crash.
While authorities do not suspect impairment as a contributing factor, standard toxicology samples were collected from the driver and will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Louisiana State Police emphasized the importance of proper child restraint systems following this incident. State law mandates that all vehicle occupants, regardless of age, must be appropriately secured.
Safety experts recommend that children remain in properly fitted and installed child safety seats and booster seats until they reach age nine or have outgrown the manufacturer’s height or weight limits for these safety devices.
Parents and guardians seeking assistance with proper car seat installation can visit www.lahighwaysafety.org to locate the nearest Child Safety Fitting Station, where trained technicians can help ensure children are safely secured while traveling.