Unrestrained passenger killed in fatal Ascension Parish crash

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on September 1, 2019, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 74 east of I-10 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 42-year-old Brandy Rowell of Prairieville.

The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as 34-year-old Jacob Mullins of Prairieville was traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 74 in a 2011 Honda Accord. Rowell was the front seat passenger in the Honda. At the same time, a 2004 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 74. For reasons still under investigation, Mullins failed to yield and made a left turn into the path of the Ford. This resulted in the Ford striking the Honda on its passenger side door.

Rowell was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Mullins was also unrestrained and sustained serious injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, but a toxicology sample was taken from Mullins for analysis.

The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and was not injured. He was given a chemical breath test and showed no signs of impairment. This crash remains under investigation and charges may be pending. There is no further information at this time. 

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.  Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.

Contributed by La. State Police