Assumption Parish, Louisiana – A three-vehicle crash in Louisiana on LA 308 claimed the life of an expecting mother and severely injures another.

Louisiana State Police Troop C reported that they investigated a fatal crash involving three vehicles. The crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 308, just south of the intersection with Louisiana Highway 1011, on August 1, 2023, just before 11 am. The unfortunate event resulted in the death of Tia Gorrell, a 23-year-old resident of Houma, Louisiana.

Initial findings suggest that a 2014 Jeep Wrangler, operated by Kendall Dollar, aged 38, was heading south on LA Hwy 308. Also on the road was a 2014 RAM 2500 towing a camper trailer, followed by a 2016 Toyota Corolla driven by Gorrell, both heading north. The Jeep, for reasons yet to be determined, swerved across the median line, sideswiped the RAM and its attached trailer, then collided head-on with the Toyota.

At the time of the collision, all passengers were wearing their seatbelts correctly. Dollar, who sustained moderate injuries, was airlifted to a hospital in the vicinity of New Orleans by Acadian Ambulance AirMed for necessary medical attention. The individual driving the RAM was unharmed in the incident. Unfortunately, Gorrell, who was expecting, succumbed to her severe injuries and was pronounced dead on the spot.

According to authorities, the person driving the RAM is not believed to have been under the influence and willingly provided a breath sample, revealing no alcohol in their system. Authorities also indicated that it remains uncertain whether Dollar and Gorrell were impaired, with the results of routine toxicology tests still awaited. The crash is still under investigation and charges may be filed based on the outcome.

LSP said to ensure your safety on the road by always being alert and unimpaired while driving. Keep distractions at bay, like sending text messages, eating, or using your phone, and concentrate on your driving. Never operate a vehicle if you’re under the influence of alcohol, prescribed or illegal drugs. Responsible choices during driving can lead to life-saving outcomes and ward off potential disasters.

So far in 2023, Troop C conducted investigations into 15 deadly crashes which led to 17 deaths.