Laplace, Louisiana — A tragic pedestrian crash occurred on Saturday, June 7, 2025, just before 9:30 p.m., on US 61 north near Carrollwood Drive, resulting in the death of a 75-year-old Laplace resident, Rose Mary Valentine. Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to the scene and have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the preliminary report released by authorities, Valentine was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of US 61. She was reportedly wearing dark clothing and was not within a designated crosswalk at the time. Simultaneously, a 2018 Nissan Rogue, which had been traveling southbound, made a u-turn to head north on US 61. The vehicle struck Valentine in the right northbound lane.

Emergency personnel transported Valentine to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The driver of the Nissan Rogue, who was properly restrained, did not sustain injuries and remained at the scene. Troopers on site noted that there were no signs of impairment—such as alcohol or drug influence—on the part of the driver. Routine toxicology tests are standard procedure in crashes of this nature, though initial observations did not indicate any contributing impairment.

Police emphasize the importance of using designated crosswalks and wearing visible clothing when crossing roadways, especially at night. While US 61 is a major thoroughfare, it can pose significant risks to pedestrians due to vehicle speeds and limited lighting after dark.