TROOP I NEWS RELEASE
November 19, 2020
Failure to Yield Results in Death of Motorcyclist in St. Mary Parish
St. Mary Parish – On November 19, 2020, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle fatality crash involving a motorcycle on Louisiana Highway 322 (Sterling Road) near Cypress Street in St. Mary Parish. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Felix Perro, Jr. of Franklin.
The initial investigation revealed a 2007 Kawasaki ZX-14 motorcycle was traveling east on La 322. At the same time, a 2013 International 18-wheeler pulling a sugar cane trailer, being driven by 56-year-old Miguel Martinez-Villalobos, was turning left onto La 322 from a private lot. The 18-wheeler failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. Perro, in an attempt to avoid the collision, ‘laid down’ the motorcycle but was unsuccessful and became lodged under the trailer.
Despite wearing a DOT approved helmet, Perro suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez-Villalobos was properly restrained and was not injured.
Martinez-Villalobos, who showed no signs of impairment, did submit a voluntary breath sample which indicated no alcohol in his system. A toxicology sample was obtained from Perro for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are more difficult to see. Drivers are asked to pay attention behind the wheel and to always watch for motorcycles. Troop I has investigated 52 fatal crashes resulting in 57 deaths in 2020. Contact Information:
TFC Thomas Gossen
Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs
Office: (337) 262-5880
thomas.gossen@la.gov
|