Mississippi woman arrested in fatal Louisiana crash

TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WJTV) - A Mississippi woman was arrested on multiple charges in connection to a fatal crash in Louisiana. The crash occurred on Interstate 55 near LA Highway 442 in Tangipahoa Parish around 11:00 p.m. on July 17, 2026. According to Louisiana State Police, the crash claimed the life of Randall P. Belaire, 26, of St. Martinville. The initial investigation revealed that a 2026 Kia Carnival, driven by 27-year-old Brianna L. Hutson of Magnolia, Mississippi, was traveling south on I-55. At the same time, Louisiana State Police said a 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer was disabled with its hazard lights active and stopped on the right shoulder of I-55. They said the Kia traveled off the roadway to the right and struck the rear of the Chevrolet. The driver of the Chevrolet and three other passengers, who were all properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Hutson and a front-seat passenger of the Kia, who were both properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Belaire, who was an unrestrained rear-seat passenger in the Kia, died at the scene. During the investigation, Louisiana State Police said Hutson showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested. After she was medically cleared from a local hospital, she was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility for vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injuring (five counts), careless operation and open container. The crash remains under investigation.