St. Martinville Man Killed in I-55 Crash, Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide

TICKFAW, La. - A St. Martinville man is dead following a crash on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish late Friday night.

What Investigators Say Happened on I-55 Friday Night

Louisiana State Police say troopers responded to the scene near LA Highway 442 around 11 p.m. on July 17, 2026. Investigators believe a 2026 Kia Carnival, driven by 27-year-old Brianna L. Hutson of Magnolia, Mississippi, was heading south on I-55 when it left the roadway and struck the back of a disabled 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer that was parked on the shoulder with its hazard lights on. The cause is still being investigated.

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Victims: Who Was Hurt and Who Died

The Chevrolet's driver and three passengers were all wearing seatbelts and suffered minor injuries. They were taken to a local hospital. Hutson and a front-seat passenger in her vehicle were also properly restrained and received minor injuries.

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A rear-seat passenger in the Kia, 26-year-old Randall P. Belaire of St. Martinville, was not wearing a seatbelt. He died at the scene.

Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide — Signs of Impairment Noted at Scene

Troopers say Hutson showed signs of impairment at the scene. After being medically cleared at the hospital, she was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges of vehicular homicide, five counts of vehicular negligent injuring, careless operation, and having an open container. Toxicology samples have been collected as part of the ongoing investigation.

State Police Reminder: Seatbelts, Sober Driving, and How to Report Dangerous Drivers

State Police are again urging drivers to avoid impaired driving, buckle up, and stay focused behind the wheel. To report dangerous driving, call *LSP (*577).