Louisiana Driver Killed in Crash on LA 85 After Colliding With Farm Tractor

Louisiana – On August 12, 2022, shortly before 4:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 85 at Louisiana Highway 673 in Iberia Parish. Mariah A. Francis, 24, of Jeanerette, Louisiana was killed in the crash.

According to preliminary investigations, Francis was driving a 2011 Cadillac SRX south on LA 85. A 2014 Case farm tractor was being driven north on LA 85 at the same time. Francis’ Cadillac failed to negotiate a curve and crossed the center line, colliding with a farm tractor near the center of the northbound lane.

Francis suffered fatal injuries despite being properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. Three passengers in Francis’ Cadillac suffered minor to moderate injuries and were sent to a nearby hospital. The tractor driver reported no injuries and refused treatment at the scene.

Both drivers’ impairment is unknown at this time, however toxicology samples have been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for processing. This crash is still being investigated.
Since the beginning of 2022, Troop I has investigated 29 fatal crashes resulting in 32 deaths.