A late Friday night drive on Interstate 55 near LA Highway 442 ended in tragedy when a two-vehicle crash left a 26-year-old man dead and sent several others to local hospitals with minor injuries, according to state troopers.
The victim has been identified as Randall P. Belaire, 26, of St. Martinville.
What Troopers Say Happened
According to an initial news release from the Louisiana State Police, a 2026 Kia Carnival driven southbound by 27-year-old Brianna L. Hutson of Magnolia, Mississippi, traveled off the roadway to the right and struck the rear of a 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Troopers said the Trailblazer was disabled on the right shoulder with its hazard lights on when the Kia hit it. Belaire, an unrestrained rear-seat passenger in the Kia, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trailblazer's driver and three passengers, along with others involved in the wreck, were transported to local hospitals with what troopers described as minor injuries.
Arrest And Charges
Authorities say Hutson showed signs of impairment at the scene. After she was medically cleared at a local hospital, she was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges that include Vehicular Homicide, five counts of Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Careless Operation and Open Container.
Routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation. The initial account of Hutson's arrest and booking was posted on the Louisiana State Police Facebook page.
Investigation And Safety Reminders
Troopers said the crash remains under investigation. They used the incident to repeat familiar warnings about the risks of impaired driving, the importance of properly restraining every occupant and the need to minimize distractions behind the wheel.
They also reminded motorists that hazardous driving can be reported by dialing *LSP (*577). Trooper Marc Gremillion is listed as the Troop L public affairs contact for additional information, according to the Louisiana State Police release.
