Louisiana Crash Takes Life of Man in Heartrending Incident

(KPEL 96.5) - A Louisiana roadway was the site of a heartrending incident that claimed the life of a man in a wheelchair in the early morning hours Tuesday, April 8.

Details about the crash that killed the 73-year-old man are being released as the preliminary report has been released. The crash happened on Louisiana Highway 445.

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What Is Known About The Incident?

According to Louisiana State Police Trooper Marc Gremilion with the Public Affairs Section of State Police, the victim, Keith Loranger, was in his wheelchair making his way down a roadway when a person driving a truck struck him.

Gremillion says the truck was traveling on the roadway in the northbound direction, while Guidry was traveling southbound.

At this point, because the investigation is ongoing, they do not know the reason why the truck hit the man's wheelchair.

What Other Details About The Fatal Crash Have Been Released?

The injuries Guidry received while being struck in his wheelchair resulted in extreme injuries.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the impact by the coroner's office.

As is typical in fatality cases, toxicology samples were taken from the driver of the truck and Guidry, which will be analyzed at a lab.

What Do The Louisiana State Police Want Drivers And Pedestrians To Know?

• Louisiana State Police want pedestrians and those traveling on the roadways in wheelchairs/mechanical scooters to assume that drivers can't see them.
• Anyone walking on a roadway or using a mobility device is encouraged to wear light-colored and/or reflective clothing.
• Pedestrians and others traveling with a mobility device should avoid traveling in areas that are dark.
• Pedestrians are encouraged to cross roadways where designated and always facing the traffic light.
• Whether you are the driver or the pedestrian, never let anything distract you from driving.
• Whether you are the pedestrian or the driver, never travel when you are impaired by any substance.
• Whether you are the pedestrian or the driver, you are urged to pay attention to your surroundings.

The victim, Keith Guidry, was from Loranger, Louisiana. The investigation into the crash continues.

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