A 28-year-old woman of Abbeville died early October 31, 2026, after her car was struck from behind on Louisiana Highway 343 in Lafayette Parish, according to the Louisiana State Police.
The two-vehicle crash happened shortly after 12:00 a.m. on October 31, 2026, near Ridge Road. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to the scene, where preliminary investigations showed a southbound 2014 Kia Optima was slowing down for a stop sign at Ridge Road when a 2011 Buick LaCrosse crashed into its rear.
The driver of the Kia was unrestrained at the time of the impact. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A routine toxicology sample was collected from the victim and submitted for laboratory analysis.
The driver of the Buick was identified as 40-year-old Shawnta Davis-Ned of Rayne. Troopers reported that Davis-Ned was also unrestrained and reported no injuries resulting from the collision. Following the on-scene investigation, Davis-Ned provided a proper breath sample that revealed a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit.
Davis-Ned was taken into custody and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. She faces charges of Vehicular Homicide, Driving While Impaired (1st Offense), Careless Operation, and No Seatbelt.
Investigation Details and Safety Reminders
Investigators have not yet determined why the Buick failed to slow down before striking the rear of the Kia. The crash remains under investigation by Troop I.
Following the incident, the Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section issued a public safety reminder emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving. Trooper Monique Lavergne noted that alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances can have negative effects on the body that affect driving skills, including impairing visual ability, decreasing reaction times, and impairing fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle.
“If you feel different, you drive different,” the agency stated, encouraging motorists to plan ahead and designate a sober driver to prevent deadly consequences.
