14-Year-Old Killed in Accident with Driver Who Fell Asleep Behind the Wheel

by | Jul 25, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are several days throughout the year that are used to observe holidays, birthdays, and even memorable events. Unfortunately, July 15th will be a day the Marble family will never be able to forget as this was the day their 14-year-old daughter was killed.

Leanicia “Leah” Marie Marble of Hammond, LA was riding with her sister to work in Texas that Sunday morning around 6:20 a.m. heading east on FM 1960 [Source: Chron]. The two were on their way to Brighter Days Assisted Living Center in Dayton in an Accord when a Honda CRV crossed into the eastbound lanes. The CRV was being driven by 21-year-old Gabriel Farias and he had fallen asleep at the wheel. When Farias woke up after riding over the rumble strips, he attempted to correct his mistake and get back into the westbound lanes, but Marble’s sister made a turn left in an attempt to avoid the Honda “which put her broadside to him.” The two vehicles collided at the intersection of CR 609.

While Marble’s sister Stacey survived the impact of the crash, Leah wasn’t as lucky. Sadly, she died from blunt force injury to her head. Both Stacey Marble and Farias were transported by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston suffering from serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

As you can imagine, Leah’s family was devastated. They said that she had been visiting her sister in Texas while out of school for the summer. She would have been entering the seventh grade this fall had it not been for the car wreck. When Marble’s parents were called to the accident scene, they had to identify their daughter’s lifeless body.

Leah Marble’s mom said her daughter “had the biggest heart” and her father told the news source that he “will miss her hugs the most.” While no charges have been filed yet, officials are still waiting on the results from the blood-alcohol analysis.

Losing a child is every parent’s nightmare. The concept is difficult to understand and many cannot accept that their child, no matter how young or old they may be, is gone. Unfortunately, too many individuals are losing their lives in drowsy driving accidents. In 2013, drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is also estimated that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving [Source: National Sleep Foundation]. Among the estimated 100,000 crashes, nearly 1,550 people are killed as a result of these accidents.

While distracted driving has contributed to the fatal accidents that occur on Louisiana roadways today, drowsy drivers contribute to making the roadways just as dangerous.

If you or someone you know was involved in a car wreck in Alexandria, LA that was caused by a driver who behaved negligently, we encourage you to contact The Downs Law Firm today by calling 318-284-8551. While this might be a difficult time for you, our Alexandria, LA car wreck attorneys can provide you with some additional support and will work to hold any liable parties accountable for the pain and suffering you have been forced to endure.

You can reach The Downs Law Firm at:

Bastrop Office
4214 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203

318-284-8551

Monroe Office
4214 Hwy 165 N.
Monroe, LA 71203
318-284-8551