LSU Freshman Killed in Louisiana Crash While Driving Home to Texas, Family Recalls Final Text About Safety

Courtney Hodge, 19, died in a two-vehicle collision in St. Landry Parish days after completing her freshman year at LSU.

Haika Mrema

Published: 5/25/2026, 11:58:44 PM EDT

LSU Freshman Killed in Louisiana Crash While Driving Home to Texas, Family Recalls Final Text About Safety — File photo of police tape. (Andri Tambunan/AFP via Getty Images)

A 19-year-old Texas college student was killed in a crash in Louisiana while driving home after completing her freshman year at college, authorities said.

Courtney Hodge of Red Oak, Texas, died on May 22 after the vehicle she was driving struck the rear of a commercial truck on Louisiana Highway 190 in St. Landry Parish, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police.

The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. near Jennings Road outside Opelousas. State police said a 2005 Kenworth commercial motor vehicle was traveling west on LA-190 and slowing as it approached a crossover in the roadway.

Investigators said a 2025 Kia K4, which Hodge was driving, failed to slow down for "unknown reasons" and rear-ended the commercial vehicle as Hodge was driving westbound behind the truck.

Authorities said Hodge was not properly restrained at the time of the crash. She sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Louisiana State Police said a standard toxicology sample was collected and submitted for analysis. The investigation remains ongoing.

“While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state,” state police said in the release. Troopers also urged motorists to wear seat belts, noting that proper restraint use can reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death.

A memorial service for Hodge is scheduled for May 30 at 11 a.m. at IBOC, located at 7701 South Westmoreland Road in Dallas, according to her obituary.

“Courtney’s passing leaves a profound void among their loved ones, whose memories will undoubtedly offer comfort in the days ahead,” the obituary reads. “While words can hardly capture the essence of a life so young and its potential yet to unfold, those who knew Courtney hold dear the imprint of a spirit that will forever remain in their hearts.”

Hodge had recently completed her freshman year at Louisiana State University, where she was studying political science, according to Dallas television station WFAA. Before attending LSU, she graduated from Red Oak High School in the top 10 percent of her class.

Her family told WFAA that Hodge was driving home from college when the crash happened.

“You can’t be OK,” her father, Brian Jackson, told the station. “There’s no OK.”

Her mother recalled the final text message she sent before the collision.

“Before I left work, I had texted her, ‘Refresh your Life360,’” she said. “She didn’t respond to that.”

Family members described Hodge as outgoing and compassionate, saying she had been a cheerleader, soccer player, and someone who easily connected with others.

“Courtney had a really big heart, and she was the kind of person that was a friend to all,” her family told WFAA.

Hodge also shared a close bond with her 7-year-old sister, Carter.

“And she was the best sister that I could ever have and she was my best friend,” Carter said.