| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 373 | 2020-05-25 | Troop A | Motorcyclist Killed in Livingston Parish Crash |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE May 25, 2020 Motorcyclist Killed in Livingston Parish Crash Livingston Parish – On May 24, 2020, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle, fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 442 near Louisiana Highway 1036. This crash took the life of an Independence man. The initial investigation revealed a 2019 Toyota Highlander, driven by 35-year-old Melissa Zapata of Independence, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 442. Zapata attempted a left turn into a private driveway. This caused her vehicle to travel into the path of and collide with an eastbound 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, operated by 58-year-old Jerry Viola of Independence. Viola was wearing a DOT approved helmet; however, he sustained life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences. If motorists witness hazardous situations or possible impaired drivers, they may dial *LSP (*577) to be connected to the nearest Troop to report that activity. Contact Information: | |||
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