Impairment suspected in crash that killed unrestrained Simmesport woman in West Baton Rouge Parish

Shortly before 12:00 a.m. on January 20, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash on Interstate 10 westbound, west of LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish.

The crash took the life of Catherine Haase, 37, of Simmesport.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Haase was traveling westbound on I-10.

For reasons still under investigation, Haase rear-ended an unknown vehicle in the right lane. Haase’s vehicle then ran off the right side of the roadway and came to a stop after striking a tree.

The unknown vehicle continued traveling westbound on I-10 and has not been located at this time. Troopers believe that the unknown vehicle is a large box truck or an 18-wheeler.

Haase was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in this crash and a toxicology sample will be taken from Haase for analysis.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana.

Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.