Aggrostats

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
June 7, 2019

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Ridgedell was riding his bicycle in the northbound lane of LA Hwy 16. For unknown reasons, Ridgedell placed his bicycle on the north shoulder and walked into the northbound lane. At the same time, 64-year-old Charles Barns Jr. of Greensburg was driving a 2012 Mack truck northbound on LA Hwy 16. Ridgedell was struck by the Mack truck as he was walking in the roadway.

Ridgedell suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is unknown at this time on the part of Ridgedell, but an autopsy and toxicology report will be conducted by the Coroner’s Office. Barns was properly restrained and was uninjured. He was given a chemical breath test and showed no signs of impairment. Ridgedell was wearing dark colored clothing, and there were no street lights in the area. This crash remains under investigation, and there is no further information at this time.

Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes. Troopers would also like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that making good choices, such as never driving while impaired and ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, can often be key to preventing and surviving serious crashes.

Contact Information:
TPR Taylor J. Scrantz
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
taylor.scrantz@la.gov
www.lsp.org
facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice
twitter.com/LAStatePolice