Pedestrian Dies in Crash on LA 59 in St. Tammany Parish

On Friday, December 13, 2019 shortly after 6:00 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L

responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on LA 59 northbound near Mire Dr. in St. Tammany Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 55-year-old Richard Smith of Dallas, TX.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Smith was standing in the center of LA 59 attempting to direct traffic for a Peterbilt Tractor-Trailer that was positioning into a private drive from LA 59. The tractor-trailer was driven by 56-year-old Karen Davis of Grand Prairie, TX. Smith was struck by a northbound concrete truck. Smith sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected for scientific analysis. Both drivers were properly restrained and uninjured in the crash. Both drivers provided Troopers with a breath sample which detected no evidence of alcohol. Davis was cited for L.R.S. 32: 281 (Improper Backing). The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.