On December 30, 2015 at 2:56 a.m., the Lake Charles Police Department was contacted in reference to a single vehicle crash on University Drive. Officers arrived on scene and observed a single vehicle that had impacted a tree in the median of University Drive, east of Jefferson Drive. The Lake Charles Fire Department also responded and utilized equipment to extricate the driver. The driver was transported by Acadian Ambulance to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Sergeant John Benoit is handling this ongoing investigation.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Karen Schexnider, 27, of Crowley, LA. Family members have been notified.

Toxicology reports, which are standard, are pending.