Bailee Leger, 13, Dies After St. Martin Parish I-10 Crash

A Louisiana family that spent days praying for a miracle is now mourning the loss of 13-year-old Bailee Leger, who died from injuries sustained in a weekend crash on Interstate 10 in St. Martin Parish.

Bailee was critically injured Saturday, September 12, in a crash near the Butte La Rose exit. In the days that followed, family members, friends and people throughout the community rallied around Bailee and her family, sharing her name and asking for prayers as she remained hospitalized.

On Tuesday, September 15, Bailee's mother, Micki Carter, shared the heartbreaking news that her daughter had died.

This is a post no mother should ever have to make

Carter wrote before sharing that her

sweet Bailee has gone to Heaven

Bailee's Mother Remembers Her Daughter

In announcing her daughter's death, Carter wanted people to know that Bailee's life was so much bigger than the crash that ultimately took it.

"Bailee was so much more than what happened to her," Carter wrote.

She described her daughter as silly, sassy, loving and deeply caring, a girl who could make people laugh, show a little attitude and love those around her with her whole heart.

For a mother who had spent the previous days hoping and praying beside her daughter, Carter also shared the depth of the loss her family is now facing.

She thanked everyone who prayed for Bailee, shared her name and joined the family in hoping for a miracle. She asked that those prayers now continue for their family, particularly Bailee's little brother.

The outpouring of support began while Bailee was still hospitalized. A fundraiser organized for the family described Micki and DJ Carter as remaining by Bailee's side while relatives and friends rallied to help them through the crisis.

What Louisiana State Police Say Happened

Louisiana State Police said the crash happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday on I-10 West near the Butte La Rose exit in St. Martin Parish.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra was traveling west in the left lane while a 2020 Ram ProMaster was traveling west in the right lane.

Troopers said that for reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai moved into the right lane, struck a concrete barrier and then hit the rear of the Ram. Both vehicles subsequently struck concrete barriers.

Bailee, who was a passenger in the Hyundai, suffered critical injuries and was taken to an area hospital. State Police said they were notified September 15 that the 13-year-old had died from those injuries.

The Hyundai's driver and three additional passengers were also taken to an area hospital for treatment. According to State Police, the occupants of the Hyundai were not properly restrained. An infant was in a child safety seat, but investigators said the seat was not properly secured to the vehicle.

The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and reported no injuries.

Crash Remains Under Investigation

State Police said impairment on the part of the Hyundai driver remains unknown. A standard toxicology sample was collected and submitted for analysis.

Troopers said the driver of the Ram showed no signs of impairment and voluntarily submitted to a breath test, which detected no alcohol.

The crash remains under investigation.

For Bailee's family, however, the days of waiting and praying for her recovery have now become the beginning of a grief no parent expects to face.