Lafayette Crash Claims Life of 20-Year-Old Ja’Leah Ross, Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge
A Lafayette family is mourning the loss of 20-year-old Ja’Leah Ross, who died days after a devastating crash on Northeast Evangeline Thruway. As her father asks the community for help giving his daughter a proper burial, another young victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the driver accused of causing the crash has been booked on an upgraded charge of vehicular homicide.
According to an updated release from Lafayette Police Department Senior Corporal Tyler Mitcham on Thursday, November 5, Ross died Wednesday, November 4, from injuries she suffered in the November 1 crash.
What Happened in the Fatal Lafayette Crash?
Lafayette Police responded to the crash near Northeast Evangeline Thruway and Castille Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday, November 1.
Investigators say Jaylen Lawrence was driving a Dodge Charger northbound when he allegedly turned off his headlights, moved into the right-turn lane, accelerated, and passed several vehicles.
Police say Lawrence then ran a red light and struck a Ford Fusion that was making a left turn.
Ross was driving the Ford Fusion, which was also carrying a passenger.
Both occupants suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital.
Ross died three days later, while police confirmed Thursday that her passenger remained in critical condition.
Driver Now Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge
Following Ross's death, Lafayette Police obtained an arrest warrant for Lawrence on November 5, charging him with one count of vehicular homicide.
He was subsequently booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on the new warrant.
Our media partners at Acadiana News First report that Lawrence was suspected of driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash.
The Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Ja’Leah Ross's Father Asks Community for Help
As investigators continue their work, Ross's family is facing a heartbreaking reality.
Her father, Dwight Richard, has shared emotional messages on Facebook about losing his daughter, describing her as a young woman who was working hard to build a future for herself.
Richard said Ja’Leah was a college student with dreams and ambitions that were cut tragically short.
In one post, he described the pain of learning that doctors had found no brain activity and the impossible decisions his family faced.
"I have a hole so big in my heart," Richard wrote.
In another message, he thanked the community for its prayers and support while explaining that his immediate concern was giving his daughter a proper burial.
"I just want a proper burial for her that's all," he wrote.
Richard has shared his Cash App, $btnbaitco, for anyone wishing to contribute toward funeral expenses. He has also indicated that a GoFundMe fundraiser is being established.
Ja’Leah's Final Gift Through Organ Donation
Even amid their grief, Ross's family has found a way for her legacy to help others.
Ja’Leah's organs were donated through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), offering the possibility of life-saving transplants for others.
Family members gathered near the hospital for a flag-raising ceremony honoring her decision and the gift of organ donation.
The emotional tribute comes as friends, relatives, and community members continue sharing memories of Ja’Leah and offering condolences to her family.
Community Also Rallies Around Jakaden Sion
While Ja’Leah's family prepares to say goodbye, another family continues praying for recovery.
Jakaden Sion, identified in a community fundraiser as the son of Deliah Sion, suffered significant injuries in the crash and remains hospitalized.
Supporters have organized a meal train and donation effort to help his family manage daily responsibilities while focusing on his recovery.
The campaign, titled "Let's Bless Deliah's Family," encourages community members to prepare meals, provide gift cards, or make monetary contributions.
Organizers say Jakaden faces a long road to recovery, and every gesture of support can help ease the burden on his loved ones.
The community can find that effort through SupportNow's fundraiser for Deliah Sion's family.
As tributes continue pouring in for Ja’Leah Ross, friends and family are also asking the community to keep Jakaden and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
The crash remains under investigation by Lafayette Police.
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