Richland Parish, LA – Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at U.S. Hwy 425 and LA-135 Claims Life

Richland Parish, LA – Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at U.S. Hwy 425 and LA-135 Claims Life

Richland Parish, LA (September 17, 2025) – A tragic two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 425 at the intersection with Louisiana Highway 135 resulted in the death of 59-year-old Samantha Gaydon of Rayville on Tuesday morning, September 16. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to the scene shortly after 7 a.m.

Gaydon was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer eastbound on LA-135 when a 2022 Ford Edge was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 425. For reasons still under investigation, Gaydon failed to yield at the stop sign, and her vehicle struck the right side of the Ford.

Emergency responders transported Gaydon, who was properly restrained, to a nearby hospital. She suffered serious injuries and, unfortunately, later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Ford, also properly restrained, sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Louisiana State Police collected routine toxicology samples, which will be submitted for further analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased victim's family and wish the injured individual a full recovery.

Fatal Auto Accidents in Louisiana

Fatal crashes like the one on the U.S. Highway 425 and LA-135 often result from common driving mistakes or unsafe road conditions. In this case, failing to yield at a stop sign played a key role, but similar accidents can occur due to several factors, including:

• Distracted driving: Using a phone, adjusting controls, or other distractions can prevent drivers from noticing traffic signs or other vehicles.
• Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Failure to obey traffic signs: Ignoring stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals often leads to dangerous intersection crashes.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
• Fatigue: Tired drivers are less alert and may fail to notice vehicles, pedestrians, or other hazards at intersections.
• Poor weather or road conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads can make it difficult to stop safely or maintain control of a vehicle.

If you’ve lost a loved one or sustained injuries in a serious accident, consulting an experienced car accident lawyer in Louisiana can be critical. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident, determine liability, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

A lawyer can also guide families through the legal process of filing claims, ensuring deadlines are met and evidence is properly presented.

Legal support can provide peace of mind during a difficult time, allowing victims or surviving family members to focus on recovery while the attorney handles the complexities of the case.

At Parker Alexander Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping families affected by car accidents. Our experienced team of attorneys fights to secure justice and full compensation for victims and their loved ones.

If you or your family has been impacted by a serious or fatal car accident in Louisiana, contact Parker Alexander Attorneys at Law at 318-625-6262 for a free consultation. We are here to help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Note: Our team utilizes outside sources when creating these accident posts. Our team has not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any inaccurate information, please contact Parker Alexander Attorneys at Law right away so that we can update the post with the most accurate information available. The post will be removed if requested.