2nd bicyclist killed in Ascension Parish this week

Published 8:49 am Thursday, February 17, 2022

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Gonzales – Shortly after 12:00 a.m. on February 17, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA Hwy 429 west of LA Hwy 44 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 49-year-old Cornell Nash of Gonzales.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Nash was traveling west in the eastbound lane of LA Hwy 429 on his bicycle. At the same time, a 2006 Nissan Xterra traveling east on LA Hwy 429 behind Nash. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan struck the bicycle.

Nash sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene.  The driver of the Nissan was properly restrained and was not injured. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from Nash and the driver of the Nissan for analysis.

  On February 14, 2022, a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA Hwy 18 north of LA Hwy 3120 in Ascension Parish was reported. The crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Willie Nicholas Jr. of Donaldsonville.

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.