RAPIDES PARISH, La. — A Wednesday morning traffic crash in Rapides Parish turned deadly, claiming the life of a 44-year-old Marksville woman and sending two others to the hospital. Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the scene at approximately 10:48 a.m. on January 28, 2026, after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision on Louisiana Highway 1 at Tyler Road.
The victim was identified as Latrice Y. Robinson, 44, of Marksville. Troopers said Robinson was driving a 2015 Ford Focus southbound on Highway 1 at the time of the crash. The roadway was busy during the late-morning hours, and the collision caused significant disruption as emergency crews worked to assist victims and investigate the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, Robinson attempted to pass several vehicles while traveling south. During the maneuver, her car crossed the centerline into the northbound lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford Focus remained in the opposing lane and collided head-on with a northbound 2016 Infiniti QX8, resulting in a violent impact that heavily damaged both vehicles.
Robinson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, but the force of the collision caused fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities. Troopers said the damage was extensive, leaving little chance for life-saving measures once emergency personnel arrived.
The driver and a passenger in the Infiniti QX8 were also restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Both individuals were treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further medical care. Authorities have not released their names or provided updates on their conditions, but officials indicated their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
As part of standard procedure in fatal crashes, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. State police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final conclusions have been made regarding contributing factors such as impairment. However, troopers noted that distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes across Louisiana.
Louisiana State Police are urging drivers to use extreme caution when passing other vehicles, remain focused on the road, and avoid risky driving behaviors. As investigators work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash, family members and loved ones are mourning the sudden loss of Latrice Y. Robinson, whose life was tragically cut short in the head-on collision.
