Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Update: The bicyclist has been identified as 67-year-old Donald Lacaze of Gonzales.

Gonzales – Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on July 9, 2021, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA Hwy 74 at the Interstate 10 overpass in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified bicyclist.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as the bicyclist was traveling southbound in the center of the southbound lane of LA Hwy 74. At the same time, a 2011 Ford F-150 was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 74 behind the bicyclist. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford struck the rear of the bicyclist.

The bicyclist sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and was not injured.  Impairment is unknown at this time, but toxicology samples were taken from the bicyclist and the driver of the Ford for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind bicyclists to never assume that a motorist can see you. Simple precautions such as wearing an approved bicycle helmet, reflective materials, and avoiding distractions are key to preventing crashes and avoiding injuries.  Louisiana law requires bicyclists to remain as close to the right of side of the roadway as practicable and obey all traffic laws.