A 22-year-old woman from Tangipahoa, Louisiana, died on May 23, 2026, following a three-vehicle crash on LA Highway 16 at Dykes Lane. Janya T. D. Butler was traveling eastbound in a 2026 Kia K4 around 1:30 a.m. when her vehicle crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation.
The Kia first struck the front bumper of a westbound 2013 Ford F-150. After the initial collision, Butler’s vehicle came to rest in the westbound lane, while the Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway.
Moments later, a westbound 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 48-year-old Franklin B. Turnage of Mount Olive, Mississippi, was unable to avoid the disabled Kia and struck the passenger side of the vehicle. Butler sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Louisiana State Police confirmed she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford, who was properly restrained, was not injured. Turnage, who was also unrestrained, suffered only minor injuries.
During the investigation, troopers reported that Turnage showed signs of impairment. He was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges of first-offense driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, and failure to wear a seat belt. Routine toxicology samples were collected from all drivers involved as part of the ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed against the Ford driver.
Louisiana State Police emphasized the importance of seat belt use and avoiding impaired driving. Officials noted that Louisiana law requires every occupant in a vehicle to be restrained, regardless of seating position. Troopers stressed that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in crashes. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review toxicology results and reconstruct the sequence of events.
The fatal collision has left the Town of Tangipahoa mourning the loss of Butler. No information about her occupation, education, or survivors has been publicly released. The family has requested privacy as they mourn. No funeral arrangements have been announced. Turnage was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility. His bond status has not been released.
Butler was 22 years old. She was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene of a three-vehicle crash. Turnage showed signs of impairment and was arrested. Those are the facts investigators are working with as the case continues. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police. No further details have been released. The investigation remains active.
