Unrestrained Louisiana Woman Killed in Head-On Crash on LA 19

A two-vehicle head-on crash on LA 19 resulted in the death of an unrestrained Louisiana woman.

East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana - Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash on LA 19 south of LA 956 in East Feliciana Parish on February 2, 2023. Arieana Sanchez Whitfield, 32, of Ethel, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

According to preliminary investigations, Whitfield was driving a 2007 Nissan Xterra south on LA 19. A 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sedan was also heading north on La 19. Whitfield attempted to pass a vehicle in a passing zone for unknown reasons and collided with the Mercedes head-on.

Whitfield, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. The Mercedes driver was properly restrained and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers as part of the ongoing investigation and will be analyzed.

While not all accidents are avoidable, statistics show that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your chances of being injured or killed in an accident. Louisiana law requires that everyone in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, wear their seat belts at all times. Wearing your seat belt correctly is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in a car accident.