Concordia Parish, LA (December 10, 2024) – Louisiana State Police responded to a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 84 near the 84 Quick Stop on the evening of December 9, 2024. The incident, which occurred around 9:00 PM, tragically resulted in the deaths of 42-year-old Carlane A. Smith and 42-year-old Donnie J. Free, both from Ferriday.
The initial investigation revealed that Smith and Free were walking in the roadway when they were struck by two vehicles. A 2018 Chevrolet Journey traveling eastbound collided with the pedestrians, followed by a westbound 2018 Dodge Challenger. Both individuals sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are currently awaiting the results of routine toxicology tests as part of the ongoing investigation. No further details have been provided at this time.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana
Fatal pedestrian accidents, such as the one on U.S. Highway 84, are a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on the roads, especially when walking in areas not designed for foot traffic. This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety for both pedestrians and drivers. In cases where pedestrians are struck, even a brief lapse in attention can result in devastating consequences.
The swift response from Louisiana State Police and the ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The community’s thoughts are with the families of Carlane A. Smith and Donnie J. Free as they cope with this immense loss.
As more information becomes available, local authorities will provide updates on the investigation.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident or needs legal assistance following a crash, Local Accident Reports is here to help. Contact us for more details or support with navigating the aftermath of an accident.