Morgan City driver involved in fatal crash

A Morgan City man was involved in a Monday morning crash that claimed the life of a Lafayette Parish woman, Louisiana State Police said.

The fatality is identified as Maria B. Felton, 59, of Carencro.

At 8:30 a.m. Monday, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle crash on the I-49 Northwest Frontage Road near Gatehouse drive in Lafayette Parish.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2018 Nissan Titan pickup, driven by Branden Lundy of Morgan City, was traveling south on the NW Frontage road. At the same time, a 2015 Infiniti QX60, driven by Felton, was traveling north on the NW Frontage road. For reasons still under investigation, Lundy’s pickup crossed the center line and struck the Infiniti head-on in the northbound lane, state police said.

Felton was restrained at the time of the crash. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition,. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

Lundy and his passenger were both restrained and suffered moderate injuries.

Impairment, on the part of both drivers, is unknown at this time and blood samples have been submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending, troopers said.

Troopers reminded motorists to make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 15 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths since the beginning of 2023.