Three Southeastern University Students Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LA — Three students from Southeastern University died early Monday in a single-vehicle crash on the on-ramp of Interstate 55.
Louisiana State Police responded to the incident at approximately 3:30 a.m. on the ramp of I-55 near Highway 51. Two of the vehicle's occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later succumbed.
The victims include a 21-year-old driver from Hammond, a 20-year-old front seat passenger from Slidell, and an 18-year-old rear passenger from New Orleans. Authorities reported that the driver was traveling north on Highway 51 at a high rate of speed when the 2017 Honda Accord struck a concrete support column of the elevated interstate.
The driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, and the unrestrained front seat passenger died on impact. The rear passenger, properly restrained, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A toxicology report will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
William Wainwright, president of Southeastern University, confirmed the students' affiliation with the university and expressed condolences to their families. He urged students to utilize counseling services available on campus.
“There are simply no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for their families, friends, and classmates,” Wainwright stated. “I ask that we come together as a Southeastern Family and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”