UPDATE - 40-year-old Medora Lynn Burgess of Natchez, Mississippi, has been identified as the person who died after her SUV ran off Interstate 10 westbound near Louisiana Avenue just after 4:00 AM Wednesday morning. A toddler who was also in the vehicle did survive the crash and only suffered moderate injuries.

In a press release from State Police, troopers say they are still trying to figure out why Burgess ran off the side of the road and hit a tree, though, impairment is suspect and the lab is analyzing a standard toxicology sample taken from Burgess. Spokesman Trooper Thomas Gossen says both Burgess and the toddler were unrestrained.

This fatality makes the 33rd death in 26 fatal crashes investigated by Troop I in 2021.

Trooper Gossen leaves you with this reminder about seat belt use according to Louisiana state law:

Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day or night. Child safety seats and booster seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash. Caregivers are required by law to ensure children are properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt based on the child’s age, weight, and height.

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ORIGINAL STORY - If you're heading to Lafayette from points east along I-10, expect delays.

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According to witnesses, a car drove off the road into a wooded area and hit trees. First responders took one person to the hospital. That person's age and condition is unknown.

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