On Saturday, April 28, a single vehicle accident killed a woman from Marksville, after she lost control and hit a tree.

Troopers responded to the crash around 7:00 pm, which occurred on Gum Ridge Road on the north side of Marksville between Highways 1 and 115.

The crash involved a 1998 GMC pickup, driven by Paula R. Theriot , age 47. The GMC was east bound on Gum Ridge Road when Theriot lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle reentered Gum Ridge Road and exited the left side before colliding with a tree.

Theriot was not wearing her seatbelt and was pronounced dead. The only passenger in Theriot’s vehicle was a five year old. The child received serious injuries and was transported to Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!”

Troop E troopers have investigated 24 fatal crashes in 2012, resulting in 26 fatalities.