Last night at 11:40 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a fatality crash on Interstate 55 approximately three miles north of Independence at milepost #44 in Tangipahoa Parish.

The crash occurred as Melissa Maggiore, (W/F age 27) of Kentwood, LA, was traveling north on Interstate 55 in a 2007 Toyota Camry. Traveling northbound behind the Camry was a 1995 Oldsmobile driven by Timothy Ensign Jr. (W/M age 25) of Amite, LA. As both vehicles proceeded north in the right lane of I-55, Maggiore, for unknown reasons, made an abrupt u-turn across the northbound lanes and came to a stop partially across the left lane and grass median. Upon coming to a stop, Maggiore exited her vehicle and began to walk across the right lane of I-55 when she was impacted by the Oldsmobile traveling northbound.

Preliminary investigation indicates that prior to Maggiore's actions, she was engaged in an argument with her father, Joseph Cuccia (W/M age 45) of Kentwood, LA, riding in the front passenger seat of the Camry. Maggiore was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office. Drug use is suspected by Maggiore with a toxicology test pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Cuccia was uninjured in the crash and seatbelt use is unknown for either occupant.

Ensign was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries as a result of the crash. He submitted to a breath alcohol test registering a .000g% BAC.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into the crash and events leading to the death of Maggiore.