Courtney Hodge had just finished her freshman year at LSU after graduating from Red Oak High School in 2025.

RED OAK, Texas — Courtney Hodge’s family said she was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel loved. “She’s just a great sister, a great daughter, a great granddaughter, a great friend,” said her mother, Sherqueena Jackson. 

Now, the Red Oak family is grieving the loss of the 19-year-old after she died in a car crash in Louisiana while driving home from college.

Hodge had just completed her freshman year at Louisiana State University, where she was studying political science. Before attending LSU, she graduated from Red Oak High School last year in the top 10% of her class.

Her family says she was headed home Friday when the crash happened.

“You can’t be OK,” said her father, Brian Jackson. “There’s no OK.” 

Her mother said she had texted Courtney before leaving work that day.

“Before I left work, I had texted her, ‘Refresh your Life360,’” she said. “She didn’t respond to that.”

Then came the call every parent fears. 

“I get a call from a number I didn’t recognize,” she said.

Officers began investigating the crash just after 3 p.m., officials say. Investigators found that a semi-truck was traveling westbound on the highway just ahead of the 2025 Kia K4. As the truck began to slow approaching a crossover, police say the Kia K4 failed to slow down for reasons still unknown, colliding into the back of the truck.

Hodge died at the scene after suffering fatal injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, police said.

After learning about the crash, Courtney’s parents immediately drove to Louisiana. 

“My husband drove us down to Louisiana so we could see her and let her know that I was here and that she didn’t have to be by herself and be afraid,” her mother said.

Her family describes Hodge as the light of their home, a former cheerleader, soccer player and someone who naturally connected with people.

“Courtney had a really big heart, and she was the kind of person that was a friend to all,” her family said.

Hodge also shared a close relationship with her 7-year-old sister, Carter. 

“And she was the best sister that I could ever have and she was my best friend,” Carter said.

Her family says the home now feels painfully quiet without her. Still, they continue holding onto the memories that made Courtney who she was.

She loved music, especially Tyler, The Creator, and her family said she brought energy and laughter everywhere she went.

Her loved ones say they hope people remember Hodge for her kindness, compassion and the impact she had on those around her.

“She was a friend to everybody,” said her mother.