A 14-year-old from Folsom was killed in a three-vehicle crash east of Franklinton on Saturday morning, according to information from the Louisiana State Police.

According to a release from the LSP, shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, troopers from LSP Troop L were dispatched to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 10, east of Franklinton. The crash claimed the life of 14 year-old Dericka Wallace of Folsom.

Investigating troopers were able to determine that the crash occurred as 25 year-old Folsom resident Earniesha Lott was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on Highway 10 west of Louisiana Highway 439.  Lott reportedly attempted to pass an eastbound 2006 Jeep Liberty on a hillcrest within a no-passing zone that was identified with a double yellow line.  The Jeep Liberty was driven by 42 year-old Carla Jordan of Franklinton.  As Lott entered the westbound lane in an attempt to pass the Jeep, troopers said that her vehicle crashed into a westbound 2000 GMC Yukon driven by 38 year-old Steven Hodges of Bogalusa.

Lott’s sister and left rear passenger, Wallace, was not restrained at the time of the crash.  Wallace was severely injured and pronounced deceased on-scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.  Two other juvenile passengers within Lott’s vehicle were properly restrained at the time of the crash and were both not injured.  Hodges, the driver of the Yukon, and Jordan, the driver of the Jeep Liberty, were each properly restrained at the time of the crash.  Hodges and Jordan as well as two juvenile passengers in Jordan’s vehicle (who were both properly restrained) all sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Impairment is not suspected to have been a factor in this crash.  All three drivers provided troopers with voluntary breath samples, which showed no trace amounts of alcohol. Lott was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail for negligent homicide of Dericka Wallace, passing in a no passing zone, and driving with a suspended license.  Lott was also booked for an outstanding warrant from the Kenner Police Department for theft under $500. The crash investigation is ongoing.

While not every crash is survivable, troopers would like to remind drivers to wear their seatbelts, every trip, and every time. By being properly restrained, the chances of surviving a serious crash are greatly increased. Troopers on the Northshore have investigated two separate fatal crashes in the Troop L area this weekend.

“Please, speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel,” said Trooper First Class Dustin Dwight of Troop L. “Remind your loved ones to buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”