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Laplace – On October 7, 2021, just after 9:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a two-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. Highway 61 North at Emmett Court. The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Mary Thompson of Laplace.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Chevrolet Tracker, driven by Thompson, was attempting to enter U.S. Hwy 61 North from a private driveway. For unknown reasons, Thompson failed to yield to an approaching 2016 Freightliner traveling north in the left lane of U.S. Hwy 61. As Thompson entered the path of the Freightliner, the vehicle she was driving was struck.

Thompson was not restrained at the time of the crash and was ejected from the Chevrolet. She suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. John the Baptist Parish Coroner’s Office.

Cody Tullos, a passenger in the Chevrolet, was also unrestrained at the time of the crash. He received moderate injuries and was transported to University Medical Center via Airmed, according to Louisiana State Police.

The driver of the Freightliner was restrained and uninjured in the crash.

Toxicology samples were obtained from Thompson and the driver of the Freightliner and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted driving remains a leading contributor to crashes in Louisiana. Motorists should avoid any distractions that take their eyes away from the roadway. For more information visit www.distraction.gov.