A Texas family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old Courtney Hodge, who died in a crash while driving home after completing her freshman year at Louisiana State University. The tragic accident happened in Louisiana and involved a commercial truck. Authorities are still investigating the crash, but police say Hodge was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
Friends, classmates, coaches, and family members have since shared emotional tributes online, remembering Courtney as a kind-hearted young woman with a bright future ahead of her.
Crash Happened on Louisiana Highway
According to Louisiana State Police, the crash happened shortly after 3 p.m. on May 22, 2026, along Louisiana Highway 190.
A preliminary investigation found that a 2005 Kenworth commercial truck was travelling west on the highway while a 2025 Kia K4 driven by Courtney Hodge was behind it.
Police said the truck slowed down, but for reasons still unknown, the Kia did not slow in time and crashed into the rear of the commercial vehicle.
Authorities confirmed that Courtney suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Police Say Teen Was Not Wearing Seat Belt
Investigators stated that Courtney Hodge was not wearing a seat belt during the crash. Police say this may have contributed to the severity of her injuries.
A toxicology sample was collected and will be analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
In a statement following the crash, Louisiana State Police reminded drivers about the importance of safe driving and wearing seat belts.
Officials noted that while not every crash is survivable, proper seat belt use can greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury.
Courtney Hodge Had Just Finished Freshman Year at LSU
Courtney had recently completed her first year at Louisiana State University, where she was studying political science.
According to her family, she graduated in the top 10% of her high school class in 2025 and had big dreams for her future.
Her mother, Sherqueena Jackson, spoke publicly about the devastating loss and shared the final text message she sent her daughter before the crash.
Jackson said she texted Courtney asking her to refresh her Life360 location app before leaving work that day. When Courtney never responded, her mother became concerned.
Instead of hearing back from her daughter, Jackson later received a phone call from an unfamiliar number informing her about the accident.
Family Rushed to Louisiana After Receiving Call
After learning about the crash, Courtney’s parents immediately travelled to Louisiana.
According to her mother, Courtney’s stepfather drove them there so they could be with her.
Her mother emotionally shared that she wanted Courtney to know she was not alone or afraid during her final moments.
The tragedy has deeply affected the entire family, especially Courtney’s younger sister, Carter, who was extremely close to her.
Younger Sister Shares Emotional Tribute
Courtney’s 7-year-old sister, Carter, described her older sister as her best friend.
The young girl shared emotional memories about always spending time with Courtney and how important she was to her life.
The heartbreaking comments from her little sister have touched many people online as the family continues mourning their loss.
Friends and Community Remember Courtney
Family members say Courtney will be remembered not only for her academic success but also for her caring personality.
Her stepfather, Bryan Jackson, said the thing he was most proud of was the kind of person Courtney had become.
According to those who knew her, Courtney had a huge heart and treated everyone with kindness.
Tributes have continued pouring in across social media platforms from former classmates, cheer teams, coaches, and friends.
One former classmate shared that Courtney’s memory would always remain part of the graduating Class of 2025.
Photos, memories, and emotional messages have continued spreading online as loved ones honour the young student’s life and legacy.
Investigation Into Crash Continues
Authorities say the crash investigation remains ongoing as police continue reviewing evidence and analysing toxicology results.
At this stage, officials have not announced any additional findings regarding the exact cause of the crash.
