An 8-year-old girl was killed in a three-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on La. 26 near Andrus Cove Cemetery Road.

Louisiana State Police Trooper Tiah Larvadain said the crash ultimately claimed the life of Penelope Richard of Texas City, Texas.

Larvadain said a 2019 Kia Sportage was traveling south on La. 26 and had slowed to a stop to turn left into a private drive. At the same time, a 2012 Toyota Corolla was slowing to a stop behind the Kia. Following the Corolla was a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by 19-year-old Kayden Palfrey.

“For reasons still under investigation, the Tacoma failed to slow down and struck the rear of the Corolla, causing it to exit the roadway,” Larvadain said. “The Tacoma then continued forward and also struck the rear of the Sportage.”

Palfrey sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The drivers of both the Corolla and the Sportage also sustained minor injuries.

Richard, a rear-seat passenger in the Corolla, sustained serious injuries and was transported to an out-of-area hospital. Troop D was later notified that Richard succumbed to her injuries.

All occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash, Larvadain said.

Although impairment is not suspected, standard toxicology samples were collected from all drivers and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.