(NEWSnet) — The mayor of a Louisiana parish running for reelection was killed in an Election Day crash just hours before the polls were set to close.

Melville Mayor Velma D. Hendrix, 84, was involved in a two-vehicle crash.

Police say a man driving a pickup truck failed to yield as he tried to cross lanes and then collided with an SUV.

Hendrix was riding in the rear of the SUV.

The additional passengers suffered moderate to critical injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Hendrix was running for reelection in Tuesday's election against challengers Sheila “Sam” Londerno and Caretta Robertson. With 100 percent reporting, Loderno is projected to win in the Melville mayoral race.