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Within the span of four hours, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated two separate fatal crashes in the Troop A area.

Denham Springs – The first crash occurred shortly after 11:00 pm on April 14, 2021, on LA Hwy 1030 south of LA Hwy 1026 in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Jessica Brown of Denham Springs.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Brown was traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 1030 in a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet exited the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Brown was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.  As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from Brown for analysis.

Satsuma – The second crash occurred shortly after 3:30 am on April 15, 2021, on Interstate 12 at the Satsuma entrance ramp in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Brandon Welch of Ethel.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Welch and another unidentified pedestrian were walking in the westbound Satsuma entrance ramp to Interstate 12. At the same time, a 2004 Chevrolet Acadia was traveling westbound on the Satsuma entrance ramp in an attempt to merge onto Interstate 12. As the Chevrolet approached the two pedestrians, Welch and the other unidentified pedestrian ran in two different directions. The driver of the Chevrolet swerved onto the shoulder in an attempt to avoid both pedestrians; however, was unsuccessful and struck Welch.

Welch sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was properly restrained and was not injured.  As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from Welch and the driver of the Chevrolet for analysis.

The difficult assignment of death notification continues to be one of the hardest elements of the Law Enforcement profession. Notification is even more difficult when Troopers know that the outcome was preventable.  Please take a moment to put the safety of you and your loved ones ahead of everything else.  Aside from sound decisions behind the wheel, speak to your family and friends about the consequences of impaired driving.   Remind them that putting on a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.  Speak to them about the dangers of distracted driving.  The conversation you have today could be the difference tomorrow.