PONCHATOULA, LA – A head-on collision on Louisiana 1085 claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. when Jessica G. Cannatella of Ponchatoula was driving south in a 1999 Jeep Cherokee near Alice Street. A northbound 2014 Nissan Murano, driven by Holly M. Williams, 38, of Abita Springs, crossed the centerline and collided with the Jeep.
Cannatella was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries, later dying at a local hospital. Williams, who was wearing a seatbelt, was hospitalized with moderate injuries. According to State Police, she displayed signs of impairment and will face charges including vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, third-offense DWI, careless operation, and fake vehicle inspection upon her release.
A front-seat passenger in the Nissan, also unrestrained, was taken to the hospital with injuries. “As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis,” authorities said, adding that the investigation remains active.