Lake Charles – On August 8, 2021, shortly before 11:15 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop D were notified of a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 210 near mile marker 12 in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of a motorcyclist whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The initial investigation revealed the operator of a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle, was traveling east on Interstate 210. The Suzuki traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a guardrail. As a result, the operator was ejected from the motorcycle.

The operator, who was wearing a DOT approved helmet, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment is suspected. A toxicology sample was obtained from the motorcyclist and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur. Anyone interested in attending motorcycle safety courses can go to http://lsp.org/motorcycle.html for more information. Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop D has investigated 23 fatal crashes resulting in 23 deaths in 2021.