1-year-old killed in Delhi crash

DELHI, LA. (VDN) — On Sunday, April 13, 2025, shortly before 1 p.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Delhi, La. on U.S. Highway 80 just east of Louisiana Highway 609. The crash claimed the life of 1-year-old Amella Kyles of Bastrop.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 27-year-old Shanice Kyles, was traveling east on U.S. Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree, and overturned.

According to reports, 1-year-old Amella Kyles was improperly restrained in the rear seat, sustaining severe injuries, and was transported to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The driver, Shanice Kyles, was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. A second juvenile passenger, also improperly restrained in the rear seat, sustained minor injuries.

Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana law requires that every occupant in a motor vehicle be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Child safety seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash; however, approximately three out of four car seats are not used correctly or used at all. Children should remain in properly fitted and installed child safety seats and booster seats until they are 9 or have outgrown the height or weight limits of a child restraint system or belt-positioning booster seat, as set by the manufacturer.

For more information regarding Louisiana child passenger restraint system laws and recommendations, or to find the nearest Child Safety Fitting Station, visit www.lahighwaysafety.org.