Unrestrained Driver Killed in Washington Parish Crash

Franklinton – Last night, shortly after 8:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 25 near Cypress Road in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Teresa Brown-Garcia of Jayess, Mississippi.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2015 Kia Forte, driven by Brown-Garcia, was traveling northbound on LA Hwy 25 while a 2020 Ford Taurus was heading southbound. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia veered off the roadway to the right and struck a guardrail. After hitting the guardrail, the Kia re-entered the roadway and crossed into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with the Ford.

Brown-Garcia, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.

Contact Information:
Sergeant William Huggins
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Region 1
[email protected]
Office: (985) 893-6250