Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford, Elderly New Orleans Residents with Deep Community Roots, Lose Their Lives in Devastating Multi-Vehicle Collision on LA 3152 in Metairie, Prompting Intense Investigation and Renewed Road Safety Concerns Across Jefferson Parish

METAIRIE, LA – A peaceful Monday morning turned into a scene of tragedy and heartbreak on June 9, 2025, as the lives of two beloved New Orleans residents—80-year-old Oscar Carter IV and 77-year-old Martha Bradford—came to an abrupt and devastating end following a violent multi-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3152, near King Street in Metairie. The crash, which drew an immediate emergency response and launched a full-scale investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop B, has not only rocked the Jefferson Parish community but also reignited conversations about the growing dangers on Louisiana’s major roadways and the critical need for infrastructure and safety reform.

According to preliminary investigative reports released by Louisiana State Police, the incident occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. when a 2013 Infiniti G37, driven by Oscar Carter IV and carrying Martha Bradford in the front passenger seat, was traveling along LA 3152. For reasons that are still under review, their vehicle became involved in a complex and violent collision that included multiple other automobiles. Eyewitnesses and early dashcam footage suggest the Infiniti was struck during a chain reaction caused by a speeding SUV attempting to switch lanes without adequate clearance—a maneuver that led to a catastrophic loss of control and impact with several surrounding vehicles.

First responders, including Jefferson Parish Fire Services and Emergency Medical Technicians, arrived swiftly at the scene, working urgently to extract individuals from the tangled wreckage. The force of the crash left the Carter vehicle heavily crumpled, and both occupants—despite valiant resuscitation efforts on site—succumbed to their injuries. Several other individuals involved in the accident sustained varying degrees of harm, with at least two transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Their conditions have not yet been fully disclosed, but authorities have stated they are non-life-threatening.

Oscar Carter IV, a retired structural engineer and proud patriarch of a large extended family, was remembered by loved ones as a man of wisdom, warmth, and humility. Known throughout the Broadmoor neighborhood for his quiet acts of service and his passion for community restoration, Oscar had spent much of his retirement years mentoring young men at a local trade school and participating in neighborhood revitalization projects following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. His loss has created a vacuum in his community that friends and neighbors are struggling to comprehend.

Martha Bradford, his long-time friend and trusted companion, was widely known as a compassionate caregiver and former public school administrator who dedicated over four decades to the betterment of New Orleans’ youth. She remained an active member of her church, taught adult literacy classes on the weekends, and served meals at a local homeless outreach center every Thursday. Friends describe her as “the heart of any room she entered” and say her radiant smile and nurturing spirit touched hundreds of lives over the years.

“They were more than just two people in a car,” said Oscar’s granddaughter, Janelle Carter, during a tearful press gathering outside their family home. “They were everything to us. They embodied grace, strength, and service. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of this city.”

In response to the incident, Louisiana State Police Troop B launched an intensive investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and any contributing factors, including speed, mechanical failure, distraction, or impairment. The as-yet-unidentified driver of the SUV allegedly responsible for initiating the crash was detained for questioning at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Toxicology samples were obtained from all drivers involved, as required by state law in fatal crash investigations.

“We are committed to a thorough and transparent examination of the events that led to this heartbreaking loss,” said Trooper First Class Jared Duplantis, speaking on behalf of the State Police. “Our goal is not only to determine accountability but to identify any systemic roadway issues that may contribute to these tragedies. Every life lost on our highways is one too many.”

Community members and local officials alike have reacted with outrage and sorrow, calling for immediate safety audits and infrastructure evaluations along LA 3152, a stretch of highway that has long been considered high-risk due to its complex traffic patterns and heavy commuter volume. According to state data, this corridor has been the site of more than two dozen serious collisions in the past 18 months alone, with several resulting in loss of life.

Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Stephanie D’Antonio, who represents the district where the accident occurred, issued a statement expressing her condolences and a vow to push for legislative and structural reforms.

“This tragedy underscores what we’ve been saying for years—our roadways must be made safer. The deaths of Oscar Carter and Martha Bradford must serve as a catalyst for immediate and lasting change,” said Councilwoman D’Antonio. “We owe it to their families, and to every driver in this parish, to ensure that our roads do not become death traps.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, neighbors, former colleagues, and fellow churchgoers have organized vigils and remembrance ceremonies across New Orleans and Metairie. On Tuesday evening, more than 300 people gathered in candlelight at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where both victims had attended services, to share stories, sing hymns, and offer collective prayers for peace, healing, and justice. Photos of Oscar and Martha adorned the altar, flanked by flowers and handwritten notes expressing love, sorrow, and a longing for answers.

A joint funeral service is scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 14, at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, followed by a public procession through their former neighborhood. Family members have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to two causes close to their hearts: Rebuild New Orleans, a nonprofit focused on post-disaster urban recovery, and the New Orleans Literacy Coalition.

Meanwhile, state and parish transportation officials have begun preliminary assessments of the site, with plans to consider new signage, signal enhancements, and potential speed reduction measures. Community safety forums are scheduled to take place over the coming weeks, where residents will be able to share their concerns and suggest solutions to local policymakers and highway engineers.

As the investigation continues and legal outcomes are determined, the broader community is left not only grappling with the personal grief of losing two extraordinary individuals, but also facing urgent questions about the safety and accountability of the roadways they travel every day.

In her eulogy posted on social media, longtime friend and fellow volunteer Rosalind Fletcher captured the weight of the moment: “Oscar and Martha were not just passengers on a highway—they were pillars of this city, mentors to many, living proof of what it means to serve with dignity and love. Their departure has shaken us, but we will not let it be in vain. We will advocate. We will demand better. And above all, we will remember.”

The legacy of Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of the countless lives they touched, but their final journey serves as a somber call to action—reminding everyone that behind every accident report are names, lives, families, and futures changed forever.