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Minutes before the fatal crash, Troopers received a 911 call in reference to a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 55 between Independence and Amite. Within two minutes of the initial call, Troopers were informed of a head on crash on Interstate 55 in the same area as the initial complaint.

On scene investigators were able to determine that a Dodge Caravan driven by Summer Graves was traveling northbound in the left southbound lane of Interstate 55. Simultaneously, a Toyota Tundra driven by 63 year old Jackie Hartfield of Columbia, MS was traveling southbound in the left lane. The two vehicles collided head-on in the left southbound lane. Graves, was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries in the collision. She was pronounced deceased on scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Hartfield was properly restrained. He was transported to Northoaks Hospital with minor injuries. Troopers suspect Graves was impaired at the time of the crash. A blood sample was obtained from both drivers and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Louisiana State Troopers would like to reiterate that all occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.