Taniya Smith of Baton Rouge Remembered After Late-Night Louisiana Highway 1 Crash Near Port Allen Canal Bridge
Taniya Smith, a 24-year-old Baton Rouge resident, died late Wednesday night, May 20, 2026, after a single-vehicle crash in Port Allen.
The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Louisiana Highway 1 near the south side of the Intracoastal Canal Bridge.
Deputies and emergency crews responded to the scene, where officials said Smith had critical injuries and later died after the collision.
Investigators have not yet released the cause of the crash, and officials continue to review factors such as road conditions, speed, and weather.
The incident caused overnight traffic delays as crews documented the scene and cleared the roadway.
Loved ones in Baton Rouge shared tributes describing Smith as caring, energetic, and kind-hearted.
Memorial service details will be announced later, and family members are expected to share obituary and funeral information soon.
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