Hammond, Louisiana - A 76-year-old Texas woman died following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish on November 10, 2025, according to Louisiana State Police.
June Volkman of Zapata, Texas, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being ejected from a 2015 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited motorcycle near milepost 40. The crash occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. when a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas struck the rear of the motorcycle.
Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to the scene and began investigating the incident. Both the motorcycle and the Volkswagen were traveling eastbound on Interstate 12 when the collision occurred.
The preliminary investigation indicates the Volkswagen, which was traveling behind the Harley Davidson, impacted the rear of the motorcycle for reasons still under review. The force of the impact ejected both the motorcycle's driver and Volkman, who was riding as a passenger.
The motorcycle's driver, whose identity has not been released, was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash. The driver sustained moderate injuries and received treatment at a local hospital. Volkman was also wearing a DOT-approved helmet but suffered severe injuries in the ejection. She was transported to a medical facility, where she later died from her injuries.
The driver of the Volkswagen Atlas was properly restrained with a seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries in the crash. Troopers issued the Volkswagen driver a citation for violating Louisiana Revised Statute 32:81, which prohibits following too closely. This violation, also known as tailgating, occurs when a driver fails to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
As part of standard protocol in serious injury and fatal crashes, Louisiana State Police obtained toxicology samples from both the Volkswagen driver and the motorcycle operator. These samples will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The crash remains under active investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop L.
Interstate 12 serves as a major east-west corridor across southeastern Louisiana, connecting Baton Rouge to Slidell. The highway passes through Tangipahoa Parish, where the fatal crash occurred near the 40-mile marker.
Motorcycle crashes often result in more severe injuries compared to other vehicle collisions due to the lack of protective barriers around riders. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash per mile traveled.
Louisiana law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Both individuals on the Harley Davidson were in compliance with this requirement at the time of the crash.
The investigation into what caused the Volkswagen driver to strike the rear of the motorcycle continues.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.