The Elmwood, Louisiana community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Meridian Woodson, 28, whose life was tragically cut short in a domestic violence incident that has left family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday at the Palmetto Creek Apartments on Citrus Boulevard. Upon arrival, authorities found Meridian deceased inside her residence.
Investigators later located her ex-husband, Kody Woodson, 30, of Westwego, inside a vehicle parked at a nearby shopping center. Officials said he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that he died from his injuries.
Meridian’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief throughout the community. Loved ones remember her as a devoted mother whose two young daughters were the center of her world. Friends describe her as caring, compassionate, and dedicated to creating a loving life for her children.
The loss is especially heartbreaking for her family, who now face the difficult task of moving forward while preserving the memory of a woman they loved deeply. Tributes continue to pour in as those who knew Meridian reflect on her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her girls.
Authorities confirmed that the former couple had recently divorced. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
As loved ones gather to support one another, many are choosing to focus on the life Meridian lived rather than the violence that took her from them. Her memory will live on through her daughters and through the countless lives she touched with her warmth and love.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.