The NOPD is investigating a two car crash that claimed the life of one person this evening (September 29, 2024).

At about 8:00 p.m., investigators say the driver of Ford Fusion was traveling at a high rate of speed when the vehicle struck the back of a Nissan Maxima while traveling westbound on Chef Menteur Highway. Upon clipping the back of Nissan, the driver of the Ford veered off the road and hit a tree and then struck a telephone pole near the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Chantilly Drive. Investigators say the vehicle then flipped.  

EMS arrived and took an adult female, who suffered severe injuries, to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later.  An adult male, who was also in the car, was taken to the hospital for treatment of what's believed to be minor injuries. It's unclear at this time who was driving the vehicle.

Investigators say upon his release he will be facing charges of battery of a police officer stemming from a fight with police shortly after they arrived to assist and investigate the crash.

None of the occupants of the Nissan reported injuries.

The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will determine cause of death of the female victim and identify her upon notification of family.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this ongoing investigation is urged to contact NOPD Traffic Division Fatality Investigators at 504-658-6210. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.