Accompanying her were her attorney and companion, Sam Brody, her driver, Ronnie Harrison, and three of her children, including future actress Mariska Hargitay. Tragically, the car collided with a tractor-trailer on U.S. Route 90, instantly killing Mansfield, Brody, and Harrison. Miraculously, the children survived the crash with minor injuries.

The aftermath of the accident led to significant changes in vehicle safety regulations, including the implementation of the Mansfield bar, a safety feature designed to prevent similar fatalities