Late Saturday night, shortly after 11:00 p.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a one-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 440, near LA Hwy 450, in the Vernon Community. The crash claimed the lives of 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown, both of Kentwood.
According to state police, the initial investigation showed that the crash occurred as a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Pamela Brown, was westbound on LA Hwy 440 toward Kentwood. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai traveled off of the roadway to the right. After leaving the roadway, the Hyundai struck an embankment and then began to overturn before striking two trees.
Pamela Brown was wearing her seatbelt, but she sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. She was pronounced deceased on the scene. Jaquan Brown also was wearing a seatbelt, but he sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.
There were three juveniles not wearing seatbelts in the vehicle, all of whom sustained serious injuries. They were transported to area hospitals.
A nearby resident heard the crash and called 911. She attempted to assist the victims until first responders arrived, but two of the victims were trapped in the vehicle. When first responders arrived, the two trapped victims had passed away. The three seriously injured juveniles were thrown from the vehicle when it crashed.
According to state police, impairment is suspected to be a factor in this crash. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
