Relatives say dense fog may have reduced visibility as investigators review evidence from the two-vehicle wreck on LA 641.
GRAMERCY, La. — A two-vehicle crash on Christmas morning killed four people and injured two others along Louisiana Highway 641 south of Interstate 10, Louisiana State Police said. One of the victims, 35-year-old Tyreione Parker of Baton Rouge, was driving a Honda Accord that collided with a pickup just before 3:45 a.m. in St. James Parish.
Authorities said the wreck ended a holiday night with sudden loss and put multiple families into mourning across south Louisiana. State Police identified three victims from Baton Rouge — Parker, 29-year-old Kedrick Robertson and 35-year-old Gevin Harvey — and a fourth, 22-year-old Christina Gillam of Shreveport. Troopers said Parker’s 13-year-old daughter survived with minor injuries, and the truck’s driver was hurt but expected to recover. Investigators are examining roadway conditions and vehicle evidence as they work to determine what led to the crash. Relatives told reporters that dense fog hung over the area before dawn.
Troopers said their preliminary review indicates Parker lost control of the Honda while traveling on LA 641, crossed into opposing lanes and struck an oncoming pickup. The collision scattered debris across the two-lane roadway and drew first responders from St. James Parish. The Honda’s three other occupants died at the scene, officials said, along with Parker. The pickup’s driver was taken to a hospital. “This is an active investigation and updates will be provided when appropriate,” a State Police spokesperson said. On Sunday, Parker’s mother, Tamika Dejean, described her daughter as “fun, outgoing and energetic,” adding, “She was amazing… my baby girl.”
Officials have not released findings on impairment, speed or mechanical issues. Troopers said standard toxicology samples were collected as required by law. Family members said visibility was poor in pre-dawn fog across parts of the River Parishes, though investigators have not ruled on contributing factors. The crash happened on a stretch of LA 641 that connects Gramercy to I-10 and carries steady holiday traffic. Gillam’s relatives in Shreveport and Parker’s family in Baton Rouge were notified by authorities after sunrise. Parish officials said the road reopened later Christmas Day after crews cleared the vehicles and completed on-scene measurements.
The fatal crash came as Louisiana traffic officials continue to emphasize nighttime and holiday driving risks. LA 641 serves as a corridor between the River Parishes and interstate routes, with narrow shoulders and limited lighting in certain areas. In recent years, troopers have documented spikes in serious crashes during early-morning hours when visibility can be reduced by fog near waterways and marshes. Friends and coworkers of the victims posted tributes over the weekend. Gillam, 22, had family in northwest Louisiana. Harvey and Robertson were remembered in Baton Rouge social media posts that shared photos and messages of condolence.
State Police said crash reconstructionists will analyze skid marks, impact points, roadway conditions and data from the involved vehicles. If charges are considered, they would be reviewed by the St. James Parish district attorney after the investigative report is complete. Officials did not release a timeline but said toxicology processing and a formal reconstruction typically take weeks. Any public update would come from Troop A, which covers St. James Parish, once findings are confirmed and next steps are determined.
Outside the family home, Dejean said the holidays will never feel the same. Neighbors left flowers and candles on the porch. “It’s hard to even imagine living my life without my daughter,” Dejean said. “That was my only daughter.” A cousin described Parker as a devoted mother of four who kept a tight circle of friends. At a small gathering Sunday night, relatives hugged Parker’s 13-year-old, who walked with a slight limp and a bandage around one wrist. “She keeps asking why her mom isn’t here,” an aunt said, “and we’re trying to find the words.”
By Sunday evening, State Police said the investigation remained open. Officials plan to share the next update once lab results and scene analyses are complete. Funeral arrangements for the four victims were pending as families coordinated services in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
Author note: Last updated December 29, 2025.