Devastating Louisiana Crash Claims Life of Bicyclist, Driver Hits Back of Bike

(KPEL-FM) - A heartbreaking scene unfolded on a Louisiana roadway on the evening of Monday, March 31, when a bicyclist was struck and killed. It was the second bicycle fatality in a 24-hour period.

What Information Do Officials Have On The Fatal Crash?

Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu, who works with the Public Affairs Section of Louisiana State Police, says troopers who went out to investigate found that a 72-year-old man was struck and killed around 5 p.m.

According to investigators, the victim was riding his bicycle in the right lane southbound on Louisiana Highway 23 when a truck driving in the same direction collided with the man's bicycle.

Pucheau says the preliminary investigation has not revealed why the driver hit the back of the bicycle, but that is still being investigated.

Read More: Louisiana Man Killed In Bicycle Crash

What officials do know is that 72-year-old Kenneth Oshell suffered severe injuries due to the impact with the truck, and he was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by the coroner's office.

What Else Do Investigators Know About The Situation?

Pucheu says investigators point out that Oshell's bicycle did have a strobe light on the back, and the man was wearing bright clothing.

The driver of the truck was buckled up and was not injured when the collision happened.

Get our free mobile app

Pucheu says that blood samples were taken for routine toxicology tests by a lab.

What Do Troopers Want Drivers And Bicyclists To Remember?

• Everyone riding a bicycle or operating a vehicle must remember that bicycles are treated like vehicles.
• State law requires a vehicle to give a bicycle three feet of space while sharing the road.
• Bicyclists should never assume a vehicle can see them.
• When riding a bicycle, wear bright or reflective clothing and make sure your bicycle has adequate lighting.
• Drivers and bicycle riders should never allow anything to impair their driving.
• All people in a vehicle must be buckled up.
• All drivers and bicyclists must follow all of the rules of the road.
• Never let anything distract you while operating a bicycle or your vehicle.

The victim, Kenneth Oshell, is from Cornelius, North Carolina. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Officials with the Louisiana State Police say the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission offers information about bicycling in Louisiana.

This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.

You can also use the KPEL app to submit a news tip, share a traffic update, or chat directly with our on-air team.

Be sure to bookmark our latest site, wearelafayette.net, where we provide more local news coverage as well as lifestyle and community features.

To report errors, omissions, or other concerns regarding the content above, send emails to news@kpel965.com.