Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford, Revered New Orleans Elders and Lifelong Friends, Tragically Lose Their Lives in Violent Multi-Vehicle Collision Along LA 3152 in Metairie, Prompting Community Grief and Statewide Road Safety Reexamination
METAIRIE, LOUISIANA — A devastating and deeply mourned event unfolded late in the morning of Monday, June 9, 2025, when two long-respected residents of New Orleans—80-year-old Oscar Carter IV and 77-year-old Martha Bradford—lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash along Louisiana Highway 3152 near King Street, in the heart of Metairie. The incident, which occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m., has left a profound impact not only on the victims’ loved ones but on the broader communities of Jefferson Parish and New Orleans, as well as state and local officials now reckoning with the road’s ongoing safety concerns.
According to an official report by Louisiana State Police Troop B, the crash involved several vehicles, one of which was a 2013 Infiniti G37 driven by Mr. Carter, with Ms. Bradford in the front passenger seat. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that their vehicle was one of the primary ones impacted when a high-speed maneuver by another vehicle—reportedly an SUV attempting to shift lanes—initiated a chain-reaction crash involving multiple cars. The exact number of vehicles involved remains under investigation, but witnesses at the scene described the wreckage as “catastrophic” and the sound of the impact as “like a thunderclap.”
State troopers, emergency medical services, and fire rescue units arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving 911 calls. Despite the best efforts of first responders, who worked feverishly to extricate Carter and Bradford from the mangled remains of their vehicle, the two were declared beyond medical aid on-site due to the severity of their injuries. Other individuals involved in the crash were transported to nearby hospitals with moderate to serious injuries, though none are believed to be in critical condition at this time.
A Pair Remembered for a Lifetime of Service, Grace, and Integrity
The tragic loss of Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford is being felt across multiple communities. The two were not only neighbors and longtime friends, but widely regarded as deeply involved, civically minded elders whose contributions to New Orleans over the decades shaped the lives of many.
Oscar Carter IV, born and raised in the Treme neighborhood, was a retired structural engineer known for his meticulous mind, humility, and quiet strength. After a successful career that included major reconstruction work following Hurricanes Katrina and Ida, he spent his later years mentoring engineering students, participating in youth-focused nonprofit initiatives, and volunteering his time for community revitalization efforts. He leaves behind a large, close-knit family—including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—who describe him as the “foundation” of their lives.
“Oscar wasn’t just a grandfather—he was a role model, a mentor, a protector,” said his grandson, Malcolm Carter, during an emotional family statement released Tuesday. “He believed in fixing things—buildings, systems, relationships. Losing him like this feels like losing the ground beneath our feet.”
Martha Bradford, likewise, was cherished across several New Orleans neighborhoods for her decades of service as an educator and caregiver. A retired administrator from the Orleans Parish School Board, she was a familiar face at literacy drives, food banks, and church community functions. Her involvement with local adult learning programs made her a beloved figure among those seeking a second chance at education. Known for her grace, elegance, and unwavering empathy, Bradford lived her life in quiet service to others.
“Martha never raised her voice, but when she spoke, everyone listened,” said her goddaughter, Denisha Price. “She had a calming presence—she made people feel safe. Losing her like this is cruel, and so, so senseless.”
Ongoing Investigation and Preliminary Findings
As of Tuesday morning, Louisiana State Police confirmed that their crash reconstruction unit continues to piece together the precise sequence of events that led to the tragic collision. Preliminary evidence suggests that speed and improper lane changes may have contributed to the crash. Toxicology tests have been administered to all drivers involved, as required by Louisiana law in any fatal traffic incident.
The driver of the SUV, believed to be the vehicle that triggered the incident, has not yet been identified publicly. However, police have confirmed that the individual remained at the scene and has been cooperating with authorities during questioning. No charges have been filed as of yet, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of criminal negligence depending on the outcome of the investigation.
“We are conducting a thorough and methodical investigation into every aspect of this incident,” said Trooper First Class Jared Duplantis, spokesperson for Louisiana State Police Troop B. “Our goal is not just to determine what happened, but why it happened—and how we can prevent such heartbreak from occurring again.”
Public Outcry and Renewed Road Safety Demands
The fatal incident has ignited passionate conversations among Jefferson Parish residents and road safety advocates about the longstanding issues plaguing LA 3152, a high-traffic corridor notorious for aggressive driving, high speeds, and multiple lane changes within short stretches.
“LA 3152 has become a danger zone,” said Councilwoman Stephanie D’Antonio, who represents the area. “We’ve known about the problems for years—congested interchanges, confusing signage, poor lighting. How many more lives need to be lost before comprehensive reform is enacted?”
As part of a larger initiative, Jefferson Parish is now collaborating with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to conduct an emergency traffic audit of the crash site and surrounding roadways. Officials have also proposed the installation of additional surveillance cameras, speed-monitoring signs, and a reevaluation of traffic signal timings in an effort to reduce future collisions.
Community Grief and Efforts to Honor the Victims
In the hours and days following the crash, community members have rallied to honor the lives and legacies of Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford. Vigils have sprung up throughout New Orleans and Metairie, with hundreds gathering to light candles, share memories, and express collective sorrow.
At a vigil held Monday evening at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where both victims were longtime congregants, clergy led the community in prayer as friends and neighbors took turns at the microphone, each sharing stories of how Oscar and Martha had touched their lives.
A slideshow of photos—from family reunions, church picnics, community volunteer days, and quiet moments of everyday life—played silently in the background as loved ones embraced, cried, and remembered.
A public funeral and memorial celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, with both families welcoming community attendance. Oscar and Martha will be buried side-by-side at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, a decision their families said reflected the closeness of their bond, which lasted more than four decades.
In response to the overwhelming community support, the families of Carter and Bradford have launched the Carter-Bradford Legacy Fund, aimed at supporting two causes dear to the victims: STEM education for underserved youth and adult literacy programs. Donations have already exceeded $40,000 as of Wednesday morning, reflecting the breadth of love and admiration the community holds for both individuals.
A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Headlines
While investigations will eventually yield a report, while courtrooms may assign responsibility, and while infrastructure changes may take months or even years to implement, what remains immediate and deeply human is the loss itself—a void left by two individuals who represented the very best of their community.
“They taught us how to live with dignity and how to serve without expecting applause,” said Reverend Sheila Francis, who will officiate their memorial. “Now it’s up to us to ensure they are not remembered only for how their journey ended, but for the beautiful way in which they lived.”
As the city mourns, it also remembers. And as families grieve, they also build. Through memory, through action, through community—and through the promise that Oscar Carter IV and Martha Bradford’s lives, full of purpose and grace, will never be forgotten.
