Two People Killed Overnight in Two Separate Crashes

Ponchatoula - Last night, shortly before 9:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA Hwy 445 near Stepp Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 67-year-old William Edwards Jr. of Ponchatoula.

The initial investigation revealed that Edwards Jr. was on a bicycle attempting to cross LA Hwy 445. At the same time, a 2003 Toyota Camry was northbound on LA Hwy 445. For reasons still under investigation, the bicycle traveled into the northbound lane of LA Hwy 445, directly into the path of the Toyota and was struck by the Toyota.

Edwards Jr. sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Toyota was properly restrained and was uninjured. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind bicyclists never to assume that a motorist can see them. Precautions, such as avoiding distractions and wearing an approved bicycle helmet and reflective materials, are vital in preventing crashes and avoiding injuries. Louisiana law requires bicyclists to remain as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable and obey all traffic laws.

Slidell - This morning, shortly after 3:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. Hwy 190 near Cross Creek Drive in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 18-year-old Helgin Tian of Slidell.

The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Tian was northbound on U.S. Hwy 190 in a 2004 Chevrolet Express. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet struck a bridge guardrail and overturned.

Tian was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Tian was pronounced deceased on the scene. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from Tian for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce crash injuries.

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class William Huggins
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
[email protected]
Office: (985) 893-6250