An 8-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.
“For reasons still on investigation, the vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right and struck the tree,” Gremillion said.
Gremillion says the driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. Eight-year-old Jewell Leger, however, wasn’t as fortunate.
“Jewell, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Gremillion said.
Gremillion says the front seat of a vehicle is no place for a child.
“When it comes to children under the age of 13, they’re required to sit in the rear of a vehicle if that’s applicable. And, depending upon the child’s age, they need to be properly restrained in that child’s safety seat,” Gremillion explained.
As far as potential charges, Gremillion says the crash remains under investigation.
