Jana Holman Obituary, Death – Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly head-on collision that claimed the life of a Columbia woman in Richland Parish on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on September 17 along Louisiana Highway 561.
According to authorities, 35-year-old Jana Holman was driving northbound when her vehicle crossed over the centerline into the path of a southbound car. The two vehicles collided head-on with devastating force. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Holman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that Holman had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, a factor they believe contributed to the severity of her injuries. The driver of the southbound vehicle, whose identity has not yet been released, survived the crash without injuries. No passengers were reported in either vehicle.
While the exact cause of the collision has not been determined, investigators suspect impairment may have played a role. As part of standard procedure in fatal crashes, toxicology samples were collected from Holman and sent to a crime lab for analysis. Results from those tests are still pending and could provide additional insight into what happened.
Louisiana State Police emphasized that the crash remains under active investigation. Troopers are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision, including vehicle positioning, roadway conditions, and other potential contributing factors. They noted that it could take time before a full report is completed.
Highway 561 was temporarily closed in both directions on Wednesday evening while authorities worked at the scene, but the roadway has since reopened. The closure caused some traffic disruptions in the area, though officials prioritized clearing the site as quickly and safely as possible.
The tragedy underscores the dangers of not wearing seat belts. State police continue to remind drivers that buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. In this case, investigators said that while they cannot speculate on whether Holman would have survived had she been restrained, wearing a seat belt would have significantly improved her chances.
This fatal crash adds to the growing number of traffic deaths on Louisiana’s roads in 2025, which state officials have described as a troubling trend. Impairment, speeding, and failure to use seat belts remain leading contributors to roadway fatalities across the state.
Holman’s death has left her community grieving, with many shocked by the sudden loss of a woman whose life ended far too soon. The incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and the lasting impact it leaves on families and communities.
As the investigation continues, state police are urging drivers to make responsible decisions behind the wheel—avoiding impaired driving, always wearing seat belts, and staying alert to help prevent future tragedies on Louisiana roads.
