New Orleans, Louisiana - A Westwego man died from injuries sustained in a crash on the Crescent City Connection Bridge after an alleged intoxicated driver rear-ended his motorcycle and attempted to flee the scene, according to Louisiana State Police.
Lonnie Thompson, 36, was riding a 2022 Can-Am Spyder motorcycle westbound on US 90B near General De Gaulle Drive in Orleans Parish when the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to the scene after receiving notification of the two-vehicle collision.
According to the preliminary investigation, Azaria Scott, 26, of Terrytown, was driving a 2012 Acura TL in the same direction on the bridge when her vehicle struck the rear of Thompson's motorcycle. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation by state police.
Thompson was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital with serious injuries, where he was listed in critical condition. Eight days later, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Troop B received notification that Thompson had died from his injuries.
Following the initial impact, Scott attempted to leave the scene, according to state police. Troopers located Scott and her disabled Acura on the General De Gaulle Drive exit ramp shortly after the crash.
During the on-scene investigation, officers observed signs of impairment from Scott. She provided a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol concentration above Louisiana's legal limit of 0.08%. Officers arrested Scott at the scene and transported her to the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
Initial charges filed against Scott included Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Driving While Intoxicated (1st Offense), Reckless Operation, and Hit and Run. After Thompson's death, troopers obtained an arrest warrant for Vehicular Homicide.
On Monday, October 13, 2025, officers arrested Scott on the vehicular homicide charge and booked her into the Orleans Parish Justice Center. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, according to Louisiana State Police.
The Can-Am Spyder is a three-wheeled motorcycle that offers more stability than traditional two-wheeled motorcycles but still falls under motorcycle classification in Louisiana.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.