| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2155 | 2017-04-02 | Troop C | Motorcyclist Succumbs to Injuries from Bayou Blue Crash |
| TROOP C NEWS RELEASE April 2, 2017 Motorcyclist Succumbs to Injuries from Bayou Blue Crash Bayou Blue, LA – Shortly after 8:30 pm on April 1, 2017, Troop C was notified of a serious injury crash on LA 316 south of Coteau Road involving a motorcycle. This afternoon, Troop C was advised that 61 year old James Marcel Jr of Houma died from injuries sustained in the crash. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado was towing a utility trailer with a large load on it while traveling south on LA 316. The vehicle owner, 39 year old Benny Chambless Jr of Houma, was attempting to turn right from LA 316 onto a private driveway when he began having trouble making the turn. Chambless exited his vehicle with the load still blocking the southbound lane of the highway. Marcel was traveling south on LA 316 on a 2002 Harley Davidson when he encountered the trailer blocking the highway. For reasons still under investigation, Marcel failed to stop and struck the load from behind. Marcel sustained serious injuries and was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans by Acadian Ambulance Air Med. He died while at UMC and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Chambless was outside of his vehicle when the crash took place and was not injured. Alcohol and drug involvement is not suspected to be a factor. Marcel was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. Chambless voluntarily submitted to a breath test showing no alcohol present. The crash remains under investigation. Troopers want to remind everyone that Louisiana law requires the driver of any vehicle left parked, attended or unattended, on any highway, between sunset and sunrise, to display appropriate signal lights sufficient to warn approaching traffic of its presence. Troopers also 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. For more information on the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program, visit http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html
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