Louisiana Motorcyclist Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash After Colliding with a Jeep on LA 22

Louisiana – On November 9, 2022, Louisiana State Police stated that on November 8, 2022, shortly before 6:30 p.m., Troopers from LSP Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 22 at the intersection with LA Hwy 1249 in Tangipahoa Parish. Janie Blouin, 57, of Norco, Louisiana, died in the crash.

The incident occurred when a 2016 Jeep Renegade driven by 22-year-old Ami Gauthier of Ponchatoula was stopped in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 1249 at the intersection with LA Hwy 22. Blouin was riding a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle west on LA Highway 22 at the same moment. For unknown circumstances, the Jeep failed to yield to oncoming traffic and entered the westbound lane of LA Hwy 22 squarely in front of the Harley-Davidson. The Harley then collided with the Jeep.

Blouin died in the crash despite wearing a DOT-approved helmet. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Gauthier was properly restrained and was unharmed. Gauthier was not suspected of being intoxicated and voluntarily consented to a chemical breath test, which revealed no alcohol. A routine toxicology sample was collected from Blouin and submitted for analysis. This accident is still being investigated.

Troopers would like to urge motorists to always make sound judgments when driving. Never drive while inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and always obey all traffic rules. While not all accidents are avoidable, simple precautions like these can frequently mean the difference between life and death.