On October 8, 2024, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Troopers with State Police Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on LA Hwy 36 near Kipp Road in St. Tammany Parish.
The crash claimed the lives of 67-year-old Jeanna Dysart of Abita Springs and 29-year-old Samantha Gaines of Pearl River.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Dysart was driving a 2019 Honda Fit eastbound on LA Hwy 36. At the same time, Gaines was driving a 2020 GMC Acadia westbound on LA Hwy 36. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda crossed the centerline and struck the GMC head-on.
Dysart was unrestrained and pronounced deceased on the scene. Gaines, whose restraint use is unknown, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A child passenger in the GMC was properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries as a result of the crash.
A passing motorist, who witnessed the crash, provided immediate care to the child before the child was transported to a local hospital. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis.
