Driver, Passenger Succumb to Injuries in Separate Crashes

St. James Parish - On December 5, 2024, shortly before 10:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop C was notified of a two-vehicle serious injury crash on Louisiana Highway 18 just west of Louisiana Highway 3219. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 20-year-old Shonta’jia Gibson of Prairieville.

The preliminary investigation determined that Gibson was driving a 2007 Nissan Altima east on LA Hwy 18. At the same time, a 2020 Toyota Camry was traveling west. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan crossed the center line and struck the Toyota head-on.

Gibson was unrestrained and sustained serious injuries. The driver of the Toyota was restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Both drivers were transported to an out-of-area hospital for treatment. Troop C was later notified that Gibson had succumbed to her injuries on December 14, 2024. This crash remains under investigation.

Lafourche Parish – On December 17, 2024, shortly before 12:00 p.m., Troop C was notified of a two-vehicle serious injury crash on Louisiana Highway 20 near Perez Lane. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 78-year-old Herman Hall of Thibodaux.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling south on LA Hwy 20 entered the northbound lane in an attempt to overtake other vehicles while in a marked No Passing Zone. At the same time, a northbound vehicle came to a stop to avoid a collision with the passing vehicle. A 2017 Kia Cadenza, also traveling north, swerved left to avoid the stopped vehicle but crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento.

The drivers of the Cadenza and Sorento, along with Hall, the front passenger in the Sorento, were properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries, and were transported to an out-of-area hospital for treatment. Troop C was later notified that Hall succumbed to his injuries on December 17, 2024. This crash remains under investigation, and Troopers are working to gather more information about the passing vehicle and its driver.


Contact Information:
TFC Tiah Larvadain
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop C
Office: (985) 857-3680
[email protected]