| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7183 | 2015-07-11 | Troop I | Motorcyclist Dies on LA 82 in Vermilion Parish |
TROOP I - NEWS RELEASE July 11, 2015 Motorcyclist Dies on LA 82 in Vermilion Parish Abbeville, LA- Shortly after 11:00 a.m. this morning, Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on LA 82 at West Jane Street in Vermilion Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 35 year old motorcyclist. The investigation revealed that 43 year old Mitchel Thibeaux of Abbeville was driving a 2014 Chrysler 200 eastbound on LA 82 approaching West Jane Street. A Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by 35 year old Stephen Gilkey of Lafayette, was traveling westbound on LA 82. As the vehicles approached each other, Thibeaux began to make a left turn onto West Jane Street, placing the Chrysler directly in the path of the motorcycle. Gilkey, applied his brakes and laid the motorcycle down, but could not avoid the collision. Gilkey, who was wearing a DOT approved helmet suffered critical injuries and was transported to Abbeville General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Mitchell Thibeaux was wearing a seat belt and was not injured. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. Thibeaux submitted to a chemical breath test and results showed no signs of impairment. Toxicology samples were taken from Gilkey and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Thibeaux was cited for Failure to Yield. This crash remains under investigation. Troop I has investigated 44 fatal crashes resulting in 47 deaths. Troopers remind motorists that distracted driving continuously contributes to crashes. Troopers urge motorists to stay vigilant while driving, always avoid distractions, and never drive while fatigued or impaired. Louisiana law states that motorists preparing to turn left at an intersection of a roadway moving in both directions shall do so from the right half of the roadway and not turn until even with such intersection. | |||
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