Basic Facts
Crash date: May 23, 2026
Crash location: State Highway 190 near Jennings Road east of Opelousas, LA
People involved:
- Courtney Hodge, 19
- Unidentified truck driver
Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash? Unknown
Did authorities recommend criminal charges? Unknown
Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash? Unknown
Accident Report
St. Landry Parish, LA — May 23, 2026, Courtney Hodge was killed in a truck accident at about 3 p.m. on State Highway 190/Ronald Reagan Highway near Opelousas.
Authorities said a 2025 Kia K4 collided with a semi-truck that was slowing down as it approached a crossover at Jennings Road.
The Kia driver, 19-year-old Louisiana State University student Courtney Hodge, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities. She was a graduate of Red Oak High School in Ellis County, TX.
No other injuries were reported.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the St. Landry Parish accident at this time.
How Did This Accident Occur?
Initial reports indicate that the Kia crashed into a semi-truck that was slowing down on State Highway 190, but there are still several questions to be answered.
Did the truck stop suddenly? Did it have working break lights? Was the Kia driver distracted, perhaps by a cell phone? Did the Kia have an issue with its brakes? The best way to answer these questions is to wait for the facts unearthed by the investigation.
Authorities likely will work to reconstruct the crash by gathering physical evidence, witness statements, data from the vehicles and any available video footage. Cell phone records could show what each driver was doing at the time.
An outside expert probably will be needed to examine the vehicles if investigators suspect a mechanical problem contributed to this accident. Most law enforcement don’t have the time or training for the rigorous kind of exam require, in my experience.
A thorough investigation should provide a clear picture of what caused this crash for the Kia driver’s family.
Did you witness this accident? Let us know what you saw in the comment section.
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