Pregnant Teen, 17, Shot in Road Rage Incident Dies After Giving Birth to Premature Baby via Emergency C-Section

A 17-year-old pregnant teen in Louisiana who was shot in the head during a road rage encounter delivered her baby by emergency C-section before she died, authorities said.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, around 9 a.m. local time, Katelynn Strate, of Ponchatoula — who was 28 weeks pregnant — was riding in a Ford Expedition with two others on North Hoover Road when they crossed paths with the suspect, identified as Barry West, 54, driving a silver Dodge truck in the same direction, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) news release.

Investigators said that after both vehicles engaged in tailgating and brake-checking, West allegedly fired a single shot into the Expedition, striking Strate, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.

“When the driver realized the victim was shot in the head, they called 911 and drove the victim directly to the hospital,” the sheriff’s office said.

Police noted that West initially believed the other vehicle had fired at him first. However, investigators confirmed no other shots were fired and no weapon was found inside the Expedition.

In an update on Monday, Aug. 25, the TPSO confirmed that Strate’s baby had been delivered via C-section and was stable in a NICU, while Strate remained in critical condition. By Tuesday, Aug. 26, the sheriff’s office announced she had died, and her family made the decision to donate her organs.

“Her 28-week-old baby continues to do well under medical care,” officials said.

West was originally booked on four counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, one count of Illegal Use of a Weapon, and one count of Obstruction of Justice. After Strate’s death, charges were upgraded to include one count of Second Degree Murder, in addition to the remaining charges.

The sheriff’s office also addressed speculation about West’s connection to law enforcement, clarifying: “Records dating back as far as our system currently allows (2007) do not show any employees with the last name of West.”

Sheriff Gerald Sticker called the case “a senseless tragedy on Sunday morning with no logical reason for this family to be experiencing this heartbreak right now.” He urged drivers to remain calm on the road: “If there is a concern for your safety, call 911 and report the concern.”

A GoFundMe page created to help Strate’s grandmother, who will raise the infant and cover funeral and medical expenses, had collected nearly $25,900 as of Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The TPSO has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for additional information, and PEOPLE has also reached out to GoFundMe organizer Kristen Blow for a tribute to Strate.