ST. LANDRY PARISH, Louisiana — A 19-year-old LSU student who had just finished her first year of college was killed in a crash on Friday afternoon while driving home to Texas — a trip she never completed.
Courtney Hodge died at the scene shortly after 3:00 p.m. on May 22 on Louisiana Highway 190 near Jennings Road in St. Landry Parish.
According to her family, she was on her way back to Red Oak, Texas, in the Dallas area, after wrapping up her freshman year at Louisiana State University. She was majoring in political science and had plans to attend law school.
What Troopers Say Happened
Louisiana State Police Troop I said a 2005 Kenworth commercial motor vehicle was traveling west on LA-190 and began slowing as it approached a crossover near Jennings Road.
A 2025 Kia K4, traveling west behind the truck, failed to slow down for unknown reasons and rear-ended the commercial vehicle.
Hodge was not properly restrained at the time of the crash. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A toxicology sample was collected and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under active investigation.
A Future Cut Short
To her family, Courtney was not just a statistic.
She had survived the nerves of starting college, made it through her first full year, packed up her things, and was headed home — likely excited to see her family after months away.
She was 19 years old, with law school dreams and a whole life mapped out ahead of her.
A Warning State Police Want Every Driver to Hear
Louisiana State Police used this tragedy to issue a direct warning to all motorists on the road.
Distracted and inattentive driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes across the state.
Troopers are urging every driver to stay fully alert behind the wheel — and to make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled before the car moves.
A seatbelt does not guarantee survival. But troopers consistently say it is one of the most important factors in whether someone walks away from a crash — or does not.
The Road Home Should Never Be This Dangerous
Thousands of college students make the same drive every May — heading home after finals, full of relief and excitement about summer.
For most, it is just another trip. For Courtney Hodge’s family, it became the worst phone call of their lives.
If you are getting on the highway today, put the phone down, buckle up, and leave enough following distance. The people waiting for you at home are counting on you to make it.
Do you think Louisiana highways need better safety measures to protect drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments — this conversation could save a life.
