Louisiana Pedestrian Traumatically Struck and Killed

Louisiana State Police officials say that a Monday night crash took the life of a woman after she was struck by a vehicle at around 9 o'clock in the evening.

What Details Are Being Released?

According to Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Ryan Davis who works with the Public Affairs Section of State Police, troopers were called out to Louisiana Highway 143 to investigate the crash.

The preliminary investigation showed that a 69-year-old woman was walking in the right northbound lane of the highway when a driver who was driving in the same direction made their way down the road.

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The driver, for unknown reasons which are still being investigated, hit Rhonda Harvey.

What Other Details About The Situation Are Known At This Time?

According to Davis, investigators say that Harvey was dressed in dark-colored clothing when the collision happened.

Harvey was fatally injured at the scene of the crash and was pronounced deceased by the coroner's office on the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, Davis says, was buckled up behind the wheel, and was not injured during the collision.

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What Happened Following The Crash?

Davis says investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in this crash. Still, as is standard in fatality and severe injury cases, routine blood samples were taken to be submitted for toxicology testing at a lab.

The crash happened on Louisiana Highway 143 near Jaried Road.

Rhonda Harvey was from Springhill.

What Do State Police Officials Want Drivers And Pedestrians To Know?

• Officials remind pedestrians to exercise extra caution when walking adjacent to or on a roadway.
• When walking at night, pedestrians are encouraged to wear bright-colored clothing and/or reflective clothing.
• Walkers should not assume that drivers can see them.
• Walkers are asked to walk against the traffic giving them the ability to be seen by oncoming traffic.
• Drivers are asked to never drive while they are impaired by any substance.
• Never allow anything to distract you while you are behind the wheel.
• Everyone must obey the laws of our roadways.
• Each person in a vehicle must be wearing a seat belt at all times.

While not all crashes are preventable, taking precautions can help to reduce the chance of a tragedy.

Davis says the investigation into this case is ongoing.

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