Infant killed in two-vehicle Ascension Parish crash

Prairieville – Shortly before 6 p.m. on May 5, 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash that occurred on US Hwy 61 at LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of a 5-month-old infant.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 31-year-old Adria M. Brignac of St. Amant was driving a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder southbound on US Hwy 61. At the same time, 35-year-old Tennille Willis of Baton Rouge was driving a 2006 Mercedes CLS500 northbound on US Hwy 61. As Willis was traveling north through the intersection of US Hwy 61 and LA Hwy 73 on a green light, Brignac attempted to make a left hand turn off of US Hwy 61 onto LA 73. Upon doing so Brignac pulled into the path of the oncoming Mercedes, striking the Mercedes on its driver’s side and causing it to leave the roadway and strike a traffic light pole.

As a result of the crash, 5-month-old Emanuel Lange, Jr. (who was properly restrained in a child safety seat in Willis’ vehicle) suffered serious injuries. He was transported from the scene to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge where he later succumbed to injuries received in the crash. Another properly restrained 13-year-old juvenile female in Willis’ vehicle suffered moderate injuries, and was also transported to OLOL in Baton Rouge. Despite the fact that she was properly restrained, Willis suffered moderate injuries in the crash, and was also transported to OLOL in Baton Rouge. Impairment on her part is not suspected.

Brignac was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash, and impairment on her part is not suspected. She was charged with LRS 32:122 – Vehicle turning left at intersection. This crash remains under investigation, and further charges may be pending.

Troopers urge the public to remain vigilant while driving at all times. Never drive a motor vehicle when impaired or fatigued, and always remain buckled up regardless of seating position. Avoid distracting activities, especially the temptations of electronic devices that can substantially divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Always obey all traffic control devices and be aware of your surroundings at all times.