In Loving Memory of Marissa Richard (1999–2024)
A life lost too soon — a mother, daughter, and beloved member of the Port Barre community
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the family of Marissa Richard, 25, of Port Barre, Louisiana, announces her tragic passing following a devastating vehicle crash on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2024. Marissa died in a collision involving her SUV and an 18-wheeler on U.S. Highway 190, just west of Port Barre, in St. Landry Parish. A young child, also in the vehicle, was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
According to Louisiana State Police, the accident occurred shortly before 7:00 a.m., when Marissa’s SUV struck the rear of a commercial 18-wheeler near Oakview Lane. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, Marissa was pronounced dead at the scene. The child remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the community has rallied in prayer and support for the child’s recovery.
A Life Defined by Love and Dedication
Born in 1999, Marissa Richard was a proud native of Port Barre and a radiant presence in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a devoted mother, a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and a spirited soul who carried light with her wherever she went. Her life was centered around her child, her family, and the deep sense of love she poured into the people she held dear.
Marissa was known for her gentle heart and nurturing spirit. As a mother, she was unwavering in her devotion. Her friends often described her as someone who embraced motherhood with grace, joy, and fierce determination. Every decision she made, every goal she chased, was fueled by the love she had for her child and her desire to build a beautiful life for them both.
She was someone who gave freely—to her family, to her friends, to those who needed support even when she had little to spare. Marissa never let anyone feel alone. Her smile, her warm embrace, and her down-to-earth nature left a mark on everyone she met. Whether she was laughing in the kitchen with loved ones, taking her child to school, or working hard to make ends meet, she did it with strength and heart.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Marissa’s passing has shattered hearts across Port Barre and beyond. In a town where everyone knows one another, this tragedy has left a deep and painful void. Tributes have flooded social media, with friends and neighbors sharing memories, photos, and tearful messages, painting a picture of a young woman whose presence was as vibrant as it was cherished.
“She was the kind of person you could always count on,” one friend shared. “No matter what she was going through, she’d still show up for you.”
“She was one of the strongest women I’ve ever known,” another wrote. “Everything she did, she did for her child.”
In the wake of her death, vigils and community support efforts are being organized to not only honor Marissa’s memory but also to aid in the care and medical treatment of her child, whose recovery remains uncertain. A fundraising campaign is underway to assist with medical expenses and future needs for the child, as well as funeral costs for Marissa.
Honoring Her Legacy
Though Marissa’s life was cut heartbreakingly short, her legacy lives on—in the laughter she brought into rooms, in the unconditional love she gave to her child, and in the hearts of everyone she touched. She leaves behind a grieving family, including her parents, siblings, extended relatives, and countless friends who are now left with memories that feel both too few and deeply treasured.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. Plans are also in motion for a memorial celebration of life, where those who knew Marissa will gather to remember not the tragedy of her passing, but the beauty of her existence—the warmth she gave, the dreams she carried, and the love that will never fade.
As we say goodbye to Marissa, we hold her family and her child in our prayers, and we carry her light forward in the way she would have wanted—with love, compassion, and unwavering hope.
Rest in peace, Marissa Richard. You were taken too soon, but your love remains eternal.
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