Gonzales – Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on December 1, 2021, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on LA Hwy 44 north of US Hwy 61 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 56-year-old Prairieville man. Troopers are working to make notification to the next of kin and upon doing so will release the name of the deceased.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as the motorcyclist was traveling south on LA Hwy 44 on a 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster. For reasons still under investigation, as the motorcyclist approached stopped traffic, he failed to stop and struck the rear of a 2010 GMC Sierra.

Despite the fact he was wearing a DOT approved helmet, the motorcyclist sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the GMC was properly restrained and was not injured. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis.

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. 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.