Local woman, 55, killed following head-on collision

Published 7:25 am Wednesday, September 26, 2018

VACHERIE — An area woman was killed Tuesday, the result of injuries sustained in a late-night, head-on collision, police said.

Following the wreck, Marie Joseph, 55, of Vacherie was taken by Acadian Ambulance Service to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries, according to Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop C.

Police said the crash occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Louisiana 18 near Hubble Lane in Vacherie.

The preliminary investigation revealed 59-year-old Rickie Steib of Vacherie was traveling east on Louisiana 18 in a Lincoln Mark LT pick-up. Joseph was traveling west on same road in a Nissan Altima.

“For unknown reasons, Steib crossed the center line and struck Joseph head-on,” a release from Trooper Jesse LaGrange said. “Steib was not wearing his seat belt and he suffered moderate injuries.”

Acadian Ambulance Service took Steib to University Medical Center in New Orleans.

Police said Joseph was also not wearing a seat belt and suffered critical injuries.

Impairment is unknown as a factor in the crash, according to authorities, who noted a blood sample from Steib was obtained and a toxicology report is pending through the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

A standard toxicology report is pending on the part of Joseph through the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office.

This crash remains under investigation.