St. Charles Parish — A Des Allemands woman died Thursday and authorities are investigating if impaired driving played a role in the fatal wreck, Louisiana State Police said.

Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated the fatal crash in St. Charles Parish on Louisiana 631 at White Lane shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday — the crash claiming the life of 39 year-old Darlene Cortez. Preliminary investigation revealed Cortez was driving a 2006 Hyundai traveling east on Louisiana 631. Robin Gassenberger Jr., 37, of Des Allemands was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Tracker traveling west on Louisiana 631.

For reasons under investigation, Troopers said Gassenberger’s Chevrolet partially left the roadway to the right, then re-entered Louisiana 631. The Chevrolet then crossed the center line and partially entered into the east travel lane, striking the Hyundai. The impact caused the Hyundai to rotate and leave the roadway, entering a ditch.

Cortez was pronounced dead on the scene. Gassenberger was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. Impairment is suspected for Gassenberger.