Louisiana Bicyclist Killed in Crash with Tractor-Trailer on LA 541 in Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana bicyclist was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer on LA 541 in Jefferson Parish.

On April 4, 2023, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated that Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA 541 (River Road) near Robinson Avenue in Marrero soon before 9:00 a.m. Pedro Manzueta, 32, of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

According to the preliminary inquiry, According to authorities, Manzueta was riding his bicycle east on LA 541 on the right side of the eastbound lane. Philemon Lyons-Feemster, 27, of Sulphur, Louisiana was driving a 2019 International tractor-trailer east on LA 541, behind Manzueta. Lyons-Feemster began to pass Manzueta around a curve for unknown reasons when the right side of the trailer collided with Manzueta, knocking him to the ground.

Manzueta, who was wearing a helmet, sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene. Lyons-Feemster was unharmed in the collision. While no impairment is suspected, Lyons-Feemster gave a voluntary breath sample that revealed a BAC of.000g%.

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office will be notified of any criminal or traffic infractions identified throughout the ongoing inquiry.

Louisiana State Police said that all motorists should always stay vigilant and follow the three-foot rule when passing bicycles. According to Louisiana Revised Statute 32:76.1 B, the operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care while overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway and shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.