Louisiana Tragedy as ATV Crash Kills Passenger, Injures One Other

Officials with Louisiana State Police say that a man who was riding as a passenger on an ATV died when the person operating the quad bike drove it into another vehicle.

Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu with the Public Affairs Section of State Police says that on Sunday, March 2, 28-year-old Tammy Flowers was driving an ATV while 22-year-old Bret Flowers was riding on the back as a passenger.

What Happened When The Crash Occured?

Pucheu says just before 6 o'clock that evening, they were notified that an ATV had crashed. As part of the preliminary investigation, they learned that Tammy Flowers of Morgan City was operating an ATV on Louisiana Highway 631 when she attempted to overtake a vehicle she was trying to pass.

They do not know the reason for this, but Flowers crossed the centerline of the roadway and ended up driving the ATV off of the roadway.

When she drove in that direction, Flowers hit a vehicle that was parked on the shoulder of the opposite side of the roadway.

What Happened Following The Crash?

Because of the crash, Bret Flowers was severely injured. Pucheu says Tammy Flowers suffered minor to moderate injuries.

Neither of the two was wearing a helmet while riding the ATV.

Both were taken to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries, and three days following the crash, Pucheu says Louisiana State Police was notified that Bret Flowers had died from his injuries.

As is routine in these types of cases, Pucheu says routine toxicology samples were taken so they can be sent to a lab to be analyzed.

What Louisiana State Police Wants ATV Riders To Remember

Troopers want Louisiana residents to know that driving an ATV or UTV on the roadway is not legal unless you perform farm duties or other duties allowed by law.

The law has multiple provisions, so you can review it here: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=962467.

Wearing a helmet can lessen injuries when driving or riding on an ATV or UTV.

It is also advised that seatbelts when riding ATVs or UTVs can reduce the chance of serious injuries or fatalities.

Officials say the crash continues to be under investigation. The crash happened in St. Charles Parish.