By LEONARD GRAY Managing Editor

RESERVE – A 19-year-old Gramercy man died Friday afternoon when he accidently rear-ended an 18-wheeler on Airline Highway near West 19th Street.

According to Trooper Omar Landrum of Louisiana State Police Troop B, a 2003 Ford Escape driven by Tyler Murray was northbound on Airline in the inside lane, approaching West 19th Street.

A 2002 Freightliner, driven by David E. Geldert of Panama City, Fla., had stopped in the lane ahead of Murray, preparing to make a left turn onto West 19th Street at 2:35 p.m. Murray apparently failed to notice the truck was not moving and struck the 18-wheeler from the rear.

Murray was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene. Alcohol or speed are not believed to have been factors contributing to the accident.

Murray was the son of Joan Zeringue Murray, and the late Thomas Murray, and brother of Jessica Trudeau, Tara Holley, Nicholas and Dustin Murray.

He was also the grandchild of Rita Zeringue, Jack and Donna Murray, and the late Harry Zeringue Sr.

Services were held Monday.