| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 3571 | 2013-06-26 | Troop D | Motorcyclist Dies in Calcasieu Parish Crash |
| TROOP D NEWS RELEASE June 26, 2013 Motorcyclist Dies in Calcasieu Parish Crash Lake Charles- On June 26, 2013, at 4:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Louisiana Highway 3256 near Hungerford Road in eastern Calcasieu Parish that claimed the life of a Lake Charles man. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle operated by 25-year-old Zachery David Manuel of Lake Charles was traveling east on LA 3256 and began to pass three vehicles that were also traveling east on LA 3256. The lead vehicle, a 2005 Hyundai Sonata driven by 37-year-old Belinda D. Chapman of Lake Charles, was turning left into a private driveway. The motorcycle then struck the driver’s side of the Hyundai causing Manuel to be ejected from the motorcycle. Manuel, who was wearing an approved helmet, was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. Excessive speed on the part of Manuel is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Chapman, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from both drivers and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. Troopers encourage motorists to observe the speed limit and to drive in a safe and prudent manner. | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||