Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – On the evening of June 1, 2025, a serious two-vehicle crash involving a bicycle resulted in the death of a local resident, according to Louisiana State Police Troop C. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 57 near Cedar Grove Road, a location south of Houma.

Preliminary investigations report that 75-year-old Jerry Francis of Houma, Louisiana, was riding a bicycle in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 57. According to reports from Louisiana State Police, the bicycle did not have lights or any reflective materials. A 2008 Lincoln Navigator, also traveling southbound, struck the rear of Francis’s bicycle.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene. Francis, who sustained critical injuries during the crash, was transported to a nearby hospital but later died due to the severity of his injuries. The driver of the Lincoln Navigator was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the incident.

Louisiana State Police stated that impairment was not suspected on the part of the Navigator’s driver. A voluntary breath sample from the driver indicated no presence of alcohol. Meanwhile, a standard toxicology sample from Francis is pending analysis, a routine step in crash investigations to determine if substances could have contributed to the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing all contributing factors, including visibility conditions, roadway lighting, and the use of safety equipment such as bicycle lights and reflective gear. Louisiana law encourages cyclists to use lights and reflective materials when riding at night to enhance safety and visibility for both themselves and motorists.

State Police have not released further details regarding potential charges or citations. They urge all road users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike—to practice increased awareness and caution, particularly during low-light hours when risks are elevated.