TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LOUISIANA — The St. Martinville community is mourning the tragic loss of Randall P. Belaire, a 26-year-old man who died following a late-night crash on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish that has led to felony charges against a Mississippi driver.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop L, the fatal collision happened at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, on I-55 near Louisiana Highway 442 in the Tickfaw area.
Authorities identified Belaire as the front-seat passenger of a 2026 Kia Carnival involved in the crash. Investigators said the vehicle, driven by 27-year-old Brianna L. Hutson of Magnolia, Mississippi, was traveling southbound when it left the roadway and struck the rear of a disabled 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer parked on the shoulder with its hazard lights activated.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer was occupied by a driver and three passengers, all of whom were reportedly wearing seat belts. They suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Inside the Kia Carnival, Hutson and another passenger suffered minor injuries. However, Randall Belaire, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sudden loss of Belaire has left family members, friends, and members of the St. Martinville community devastated as they remember a young life taken far too soon.
During the investigation, Louisiana State Police said troopers observed signs of impairment while speaking with Hutson. After receiving medical treatment and being released from the hospital, Hutson was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility.
She faces multiple charges, including:
Vehicular Homicide
Five counts of Vehicular Negligent Injuring
Careless Operation
Open Container Violation
Authorities collected routine toxicology samples as part of the investigation, with results still pending.
As investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash, Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of wearing seat belts.
Officials emphasized that while not every crash can be prevented, proper restraint use can greatly improve the chances of surviving a serious collision.
The loss of Randall Belaire has brought heartbreak to everyone who knew him, as loved ones now gather to honor his memory and support one another through an unimaginable time.
Randall P. Belaire will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and community. May his loved ones find strength, comfort, and peace as they grieve this tragic loss.
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