Published: 05-28-2026 | Category: Troop A
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
May 28, 2026
French Settlement Woman Succumbs to Injuries Following Livingston Parish Crash
Livingston – Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash on LA 444 at Dutch Lane in Livingston Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 55-year-old Sophia Stutts of French Settlement.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, driven by Stutts, was traveling south on LA 444 and had stopped while attempting to make a left turn into a private driveway. At the same time, a 2018 Dodge Ram was also traveling south on LA 444 behind the Pontiac. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram struck the rear of the Pontiac.
Stutts sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A front-seat passenger in the Pontiac sustained minor injuries and was also transported for treatment. The driver of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. All occupants involved were properly restrained at the time of the crash. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples will be obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving: avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions. Follow traffic laws and ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. While not all crashes are preventable, simple precautions like these can save lives.
Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]