MORGANZA - The mother of the EMS worker killed in a crash Tuesday is mourning her daughter and what would have been her grandchild. 

"I just spoke with her [before the accident.] She was doing what she wanted to do. She loved her job," Angela Clapper, the first responder's mother said.

Kymber Nezat, 28, was driving a patient from a hospital to a nursing home Tuesday morning in Morganza when she crashed head-on into a semi-truck.

"I watched her on the 360 app for a while, and she just didn't move after 11:30 a.m.," she said. "I don't want to call her because I know they're not supposed to have calls, but you know you get that stomach pit."

Soon after, Clapper got the call she feared. 

"They told us she didn't make it. I walked through my house and I couldn't breathe," she said.

Clapper says it was her motherly instinct that told her something was wrong. It was an instinct that Kymber was soon to have.

"She was seven weeks pregnant. She had gone through ten or twelve miscarriages, and they told her she wouldn't be able to have kids," Clapper said. "She found out this one was healthy."

Nezat wasn't alone in the ambulance. Her partner Hunter Fruge was in the back of the unit treating 82-year-old Albert Bordelon. Bordelon died in the crash. Fruge is in critical condition.

Caitlyn Russo serves as the public relations and marketing manager for Acadian Ambulances. 

"They make a choice to care for others and to serve their community. They understand that there's dangers they face everyday," Russo said. "Something like this is definitely not what you want to have happen."

Acadian Ambulances says Nezat had only been on the job for about a year.

"I prayed that I wouldn't have that day where the would come to my door," Clapper said. "That's what she wanted to do. it was her passion. She loved it."

"She truly wanted to help others. And she was happy doing it everyday," Kymber's husband, Brennan Nezat, said.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized. Nezat's mother said Acadian Ambulance is helping cover the cost. 

Acadian Ambulance released the following statement Friday.

On behalf of the entire Acadian Ambulance family, I’d like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support and compassion we’ve received following the devastating loss of one of our dedicated first responders.

On June 27, 2023, Emergency Medical Responder Kymber Nezat and Paramedic Hunter Fruge’ were transporting a patient when their ambulance was involved in a tragic collision. Their patient, Albert Bordelon, was also fatally injured.

The Acadian team expresses our deepest condolences to the Nezat and Bordelon families during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of a loved one is a profound and heart-wrenching experience, and our thoughts are with you as you navigate through your grief.

We are tremendously appreciative that Hunter is recovering from his injuries, and we offer our support to him and his family as he continues to heal.

The response from fellow first responders, emergency medical professionals, and the general public has been humbling. The countless acts of kindness, messages of condolence, and gestures of support we’ve received beautifully reflect the compassionate spirit that defines the communities we serve and exemplifies the powerful bonds that exist within those communities.

Every team member at Acadian chose a career dedicated to protecting and saving lives. The loss of life or occurrence of injury to our team members, our patients, and others are especially tragic incidents that shake us to our core.

Witnessing the genuine compassion and empathy extended to us has served as a testament to the enduring impact our medics have on those they serve. It is abundantly clear that their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to caring for others leave an indelible mark on the lives they touch.

On behalf of Acadian, thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared a prayer, or expressed their condolences. I hope you will join us in lifting the Nezat and Bordelon families in prayer and continue to pray for Hunter Fruge’ through his journey of healing.

With respect and gratitude,

Richard E. Zuschlag

Chairman & CEO

Acadian Companies