Louisiana Man Struck and Killed in Nighttime Vehicle-Bicycle Crash on US 61

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on June 26, 2022, that on June 25, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Troopers with LSP Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on US 61 south of LA 73, north of Germany Road in Ascension Parish. Melvin White, 61, of Gonzales, Louisiana was killed in the crash. According to the preliminary investigation, White was traveling west from a private drive onto US 61 when he was struck by a 2006 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on US 61. At the same time, a 2020 Hyundai Kona was following the Toyota Camry in the left lane. Prior to stopping, the Camry collided with a bicyclist on the road. White died at the scene from his injuries.

Louisiana State Police indicated that is is unknown if the bicyclist was impaired however, routine toxicology will be performed by the Ascension Parish Coroner's Office. The bicyclist was wearing dark clothing, was not wearing a helmet, and had no lights on his bicycle at the time of the collision. The Toyota and Hyundai drivers were both wearing seatbelts and were not injured. This crash is still being investigated.

Bicyclists should never assume that a motorist can see them, according to Louisiana State Troopers. Simple precautions like wearing an approved bicycle helmet, using reflective materials, and avoiding distractions are critical in avoiding crashes and injuries. Furthermore, bicyclists are required by Louisiana law to stay as close to the right side of the road as possible and to obey all traffic laws.