Lafayette, LA – A single-vehicle crash in Baldwin claimed the life of a 49-year-old Franklin woman early Thursday morning, December 19. Louisiana State Police Troop I began their investigation into the fatal incident shortly after 2 a.m. on US 90 near LA 83.
According to the preliminary investigation, Daphne Spain was driving a 2016 Infiniti QX8 eastbound on US 90. As the vehicle approached the exit ramp for LA 83, it veered off the roadway. For reasons still under investigation, the Infiniti traveled to the left and overturned.
Spain, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Toxicology samples have been collected from Spain and will be analyzed as part of the investigation. Louisiana State Police have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash but have reiterated that impaired and distracted driving remain common factors in fatal accidents across the state.
In a statement, authorities urged motorists to stay focused, sober, and alert while driving to help prevent similar tragedies.