Ville Platte – Sunday night shortly after 7:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on LA Hwy 1161 near St. John Road in Evangeline Parish. The crash took the life of 33 year old Ville Platte resident Monique R. Branch.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Branch was driving a 2010 Chevrolet HHR southbound on LA 1161. For unknown reasons Branch crossed the centerline into the northbound lane of travel. She overcorrected, causing the HHR to leave the roadway to the right. The HHR entered into a ditch, rolled over and then struck the corner of a house.

Branch was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries from the crash. Driver impairment is unknown; however, Troopers have submitted a toxicology sample from Branch to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of seatbelt use. Louisiana law requires that every person in a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Statistics show that the chances of surviving a violent crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Taking the time to buckle up before every trip is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.