ST. ROSE — Excessive speed is a suspected factor in a four-vehicle crash that led to the death of a St. Charles Parish motorist killed Friday afternoon in St. Charles Parish, authorities said.

“Troopers do suspect speed to have been a contributing factor,” Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight said. “Criminal charges will be forwarded to the St. Charles Parish District Attorney’s Office pending the completion of the investigation.”

The crash has claimed the life of 27-year-old Stephen Blackwell of Baton Rouge following wrecks that occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Interstate 10 eastbound near milepost 217 in St. Charles Parish.

The initial investigation determined the crash occurred as 27-year-old Luis Enrique Caballero of Kenner was driving a 2012 Toyota Highlander in the left lane at a high rate of speed when traffic ahead of Caballero was slowing due to traffic congestion.

Police said Caballero’s vehicle crashed into the rear of a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by 71- year-old Aaron Smith Wordsworth of New Orleans. The impact pushed the truck into the rear of a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was being ridden by Stephen Blackwell.

Blackwell was ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle was pushed forward into the rear of a 2016 Nissan Pickup driven by 25-year-old Joshua Hutton.

Despite wearing a helmet, Blackwell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on-scene by the St Charles Parish Coroner’s Office.

Caballero was properly restrained. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Medical Center by St. Charles EMS.

Wordsworth and Hutton were also properly restrained and uninjured in the crash. Presently, State Police said, impairment is not suspected to have been a contributing factor.

As part of the on-going investigation, blood samples were collected and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.