Victim Identified, Intoxicated Driver Charged in Bicyclist’s Death Along I-49 in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Police have arrested a Baton Rouge driver who they say was responsible for a traffic fatality on the northbound frontage road along I-49 Thursday night.

The Lafayette Police Department arrested William Durham, 47, of Baton Rouge, and charged him with Vehicular Homicide, as well as Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. He has been booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Get our free mobile app

This fatal traffic crash remains under investigation by the Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit, LPD said in a statement.

The victim of the crash, who was riding a bicycle along the frontage road, was identified as Melvin Whitsett, 65, of Lafayette. Both men were traveling northbound on the frontage road when Durham allegedly struck and killed Whisett.

Police shut down a portion of the I-49 frontage road from High Meadows Boulevard to East Butcher Switch Road during the night as they were conducting their investigation. Traffic had to be redirected elsewhere while they were on the scene.

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.