| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2249 | 2014-01-02 | Troop C | Baton Rouge Man Killed in Fiery Crash on LA 308 in Lafourche Parish |
TROOP C - NEWS RELEASE January 2, 2014 Baton Rouge Man Killed in Fiery Crash on LA 308 in Lafourche Parish Thibodaux, LA- Shortly after 4 PM this afternoon, a 54 year old Baton Rouge man was killed when his motorcycle was rear ended and caught fire, leaving him trapped between both vehicles on LA 308 in Lafourche Parish. The investigation revealed that a 2012 Yamaha motorcycle was traveling north on LA 308 just north of Thibodaux, LA. The Yamaha was being driven by Thomas Grems, (W/M age 54) of Baton Rouge, LA. Due to congested traffic on LA 308, the Yamaha slowed and came to a stop behind a 1998 Honda Accord. The Accord was being driven by Shelbi Faucheux, (W/F age 21) of Napoleonville, LA. Shortly after the motorcycle came to a stop, a northbound 2002 Ford F-150 failed to stop and struck the Yamaha in the rear. The Yamaha was pushed into the rear of the Accord, forcing the Accord off the right side of the roadway. After the impact, the Yamaha motorcycle caught fire and was soon engulfed in flames. Grems, who was trapped between the motorcycle and the F-150, was unable to escape and perished in the fire. Grems was pronounced dead on the scene by the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office. The Ford F-150 was being driven by Joseph Elfert, (W/M age 87) of Labadieville, LA. Elfert, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured in the crash. Faucheux, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to Thibodaux Regional with minor injuries. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Elfert submitted to a breath test and was cleared of any alcohol involvement. Alcohol use is unknown at this time and routine toxicology tests are pending for Grems. Blood was taken from Faucheux and the test results are pending at the State Police Crime Lab. Charges are pending at this time, and this crash remains under investigation. Troopers remind motorists to always be aware of their surroundings, obey the posted speed limits, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel of a vehicle. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Motorcyclists must wear a proper US D.O.T. helmet when operating their motorcycle on Louisiana roadways. Although not all crashes are survivable, properly utilizing safety equipment like approved motorcycle helmets and seatbelts decrease your risk of serious injury or death | |||
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