Louisiana Driver Arrested, Unrestrained Passenger Killed in Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash on US 61

Gonzales, Louisiana – A two-vehicle collision on US 61 in Ascension Parish, Louisiana resulted in the death of a Louisiana woman and injuries to three other people. The driver of one of the vehicles was arrested for negligent homicide, negligent injuring, and careless operation and was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.

On December 27, 2022, Louisiana State State Police Police stated that on December 26, 2022, shortly after 3:30 p.m., Troopers of LSP Troop A initiated an investigation into a two-vehicle collision on US 61 south of LA 939 (South Purpera Avenue) in Ascension Parish. Brandi Hall, age 39, from Darrow, Louisiana perished as a result of the collision.

Jennie Alexander of Hammond, Louisiana was driving a 2008 Nissan Frontier northbound on US 61, according to the preliminary inquiry. Simultaneously, a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound in the left lane of US 61. Alexander departed the route to the right, re-entered the northbound lanes, crossed the median, and collided head-on with the Equinox in the southbound lane for unknown reasons.

Hall was not restrained as the Equinox's front passenger during the collision. As a result of the collision, Hall sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexander was appropriately restrained and brought to a local hospital after sustaining minor injuries in the collision. The driver of the Equinox was not properly restrained and was sent to a local hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. In addition, a child passenger in the rear of the Equinox was properly restrained and transferred to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Impairment on the part of Alexander is unknown at this time. Alexander was arrested for Negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, and Careless Operation and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail during the course of the inquiry. A toxicological sample was collected from both drivers and will be sent for analysis. The inquiry into this crash continues.

While not all collisions are survivable, statistics show that correctly worn restraints can greatly minimize the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. In accordance with Louisiana law, every passenger in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, must always wear a seat belt. Seat belt use is one of the most efficient strategies to save your life and decrease injuries in accidents.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.