| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8102 | 2014-03-23 | Troop L | Distracted Teen Driver Leaves Motorcyclist Dead in St. Helena Parish |
Troop L - NEWS RELEASE March 23, 2014 Distracted Teen Driver Leaves Motorcyclist Dead in St. Helena Parish St. Helena - Yesterday evening, at approximately 6:45 pm Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a three vehicle fatality crash involving a car and two motorcycles on La. 16 near O’Neal Lane in St. Helena Parish. The distracted driver, 19 year old Taylor Freeman of Pine crashed into a motorcycle killing 29 year old Jerry Worley III of Greensburg. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Honda Accord operated by Freeman was traveling westbound on La. 16 approaching O’Neal Lane. At the same time, a 2000 Harley Davidson Motorcycle operated by 51 year old Cline Hooper Jr. of Walker and a 2006 Honda Motorcycle operated by Worley were traveling, abreast, eastbound on La. 16 approaching O’Neal Lane. Freeman approached O’Neal Lane, crossed the center line, entered the eastbound lane, and continued westbound. While traveling the wrong direction the Accord struck the Harley Davidson and Honda head on ejecting Hooper and Worley. Worley, who was wearing a D.O.T. approved helmet, was pronounced dead on the scene by the St. Helena Parish Coroner’s Office. Hooper, who was also wearing a D.O.T. approved helmet, received moderate injuries and was transported to Our Lady Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. Freeman, who was restrained, received minor injuries and was transported to Our Lady Lake Regional Medical Center in Walker. Impairment is not suspected; however, blood samples were collected from Freeman, Hooper, and Worley so toxicological analyses can be conducted at the LSP Crime Laboratory. Those results and charges for Freeman are pending as this crash remains under investigation. 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. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles offer license plates that promote motorcycle awareness. Please visit their website at www.expresslane.org for more information. Funds generated from the purchase of the plates will be used by the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign to increase awareness and promote/support training and education efforts for motorcyclists. Motorists that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police. Contact Information: | |||
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