TANGIPAHOA, La. — Three Southeastern Louisiana University students died early Monday morning in a crash on LA-443 while returning to Hammond from a Saints game in New Orleans.
The victims, identified as Tyrell Yates-Robertson, Carmelo Riley, and Brian Smith II, were involved in a collision with a concrete column, according to Louisiana State Police. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 2 a.m. and pronounced all three dead.
Witnesses reported the vehicle, carrying the students, veered off the roadway before the impact. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident, and there were no additional injuries reported.
Tyree Lewis, mother of victim Tyrell Yates-Robertson, expressed her devastation, highlighting her son's achievements as a notable student-athlete. “He has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time,” she stated.
Shamonika Hartfield, mother of Carmelo Riley, shared her grief, saying, “Having to realize it's not a dream… It's just having to face that reality over and over again.”
The families are now faced with planning three funerals instead of future celebrations, as the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
A candlelight vigil for the three students is scheduled for Thursday at Cate Street Park in Hammond at 6:30 p.m.