A tragic Labour Day crash in Louisville has left a 12-year-old girl dead and two adults, including her mother, facing criminal charges.

The collision occurred around 2:30 a.m. Monday on the Gene Snyder Freeway near New Cut Road. According to the Louisville Metro Police, a Dodge Durango driven by 34-year-old Renaldo James Gill struck a Jeep Compass driven by 31-year-old Jasmin Simpson.

The impact caused Simpson’s vehicle to roll over, cross the median, and land in the southbound lanes. Gill’s SUV was later found off the freeway near a wooded area.

Officers reported that Gill displayed signs of intoxication, admitted to drinking alcohol, and was carrying marijuana when searched. He now faces multiple charges, including murder, DUI on a suspended license, wanton endangerment, assault, criminal mischief, and possession of marijuana.

Simpson and her two children were ejected from the Jeep during the crash. Her 12-year-old daughter, identified by family as Jada Smith, died at the scene. Simpson was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital with life-threatening injuries. An infant, found in a car seat thrown from the vehicle, also suffered life-threatening injuries.

Police later confirmed that Simpson would also face charges. Investigators determined that neither she nor her daughter were wearing seatbelts, and the infant’s car seat had not been properly secured. She has been charged with two counts of wanton endangerment, failure to wear seatbelts, and failure to properly secure a child seat.

Kentucky State Police emphasized the lifesaving importance of seatbelt use in the wake of the tragedy. Sgt. Matt Sudduth said, “Seat belts help slow you down in a crash and spread the force over the strongest parts of your body. At the end of the day, it’s not about writing tickets; it’s about ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

The investigation remains ongoing.