| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7168 | 2015-05-08 | Troop I | Motorcyclist Killed in Lower St. Martin Crash |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE May 8, 2015 Motorcyclist Killed in Lower St. Martin Crash St. Martin Parish: – Today, shortly before 4:00 pm Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatality crash on LA Highway 70 near Church Street that left a Pierre Part man dead. The preliminary investigation revealed that 27 year old Tressi Coupel of Pierre Part was operating a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado west on LA Highway 70 in a slight right curve. Coupel began to make a left turn into a private drive, straight into the path of a 2013 Suzuki GSXR Motorcycle, traveling east on LA Highway 70. The driver of the Suzuki, 26 year old Blake Melancon applied the brakes on the motorcycle, but was unable to avoid impact and struck the right side of Coupel’s vehicle. Coupel was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured. Melancon was wearing a DOT approved helmet, but suffered critical injuries. Melancon was transported by Air-Med to Our Lady of Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge where he later died. Impairment is not suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash, however; toxicology samples were obtained from Melancon and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Coupel was given a chemical breath test and found not to be impaired. Coupel was cited with Failure to Yield, however; further charges could be filed at a later date. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers would like to remind motorist to avoid distracting activities, especially the temptations of electronic devices and passengers. Both can substantially divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Always obey all traffic control devices and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Troop I has investigated 30 fatal crashes resulting in 31 deaths this year. Contact Information: | |||
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