RAYVILLE, La. — Louisiana State Police say a Rayville woman has died after a two-vehicle collision Tuesday morning in Richland Parish.
Authorities identified the victim as 59-year-old Samantha Gaydon, who was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer eastbound on Louisiana Highway 135 when, according to investigators, she failed to yield at a stop sign and struck the right side of a 2022 Ford Edge traveling south on U.S. Highway 425.
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The crash happened shortly after 7:00 a.m. on September 16, 2025, at the busy intersection of U.S. 425 and LA 135.
Gaydon, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died. The driver of the Ford Edge, also wearing a seat belt, received minor injuries and was treated at a local medical facility.
Troopers collected routine toxicology samples as part of the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers that while not every crash can be prevented, seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death. State law requires all occupants, regardless of seating position, to remain properly buckled at all times.