Louisiana Motorcyclist Killed in Early-Morning Hit-and-Run Crash on St. Bernard Highway
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police investigators are conducting an urgent search for the driver of a pickup truck involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash that took the life of a motorcyclist early Monday morning. The crash, which occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on St. Bernard Highway at the intersection with Riverbend Drive, left 26-year-old Kyle St. Angelo of St. Bernard dead after his motorcycle collided with the truck, which made a sudden left turn into his path.
According to preliminary police reports, St. Angelo was traveling northbound on St. Bernard Highway on a 2004 Suzuki DRZ 400 motorcycle when the driver of a light-colored pickup truck, believed to be a newer-model Ram with a crew cab, attempted a left-hand turn. This maneuver placed the truck directly in the motorcycle’s path. St. Angelo had little time to react and collided forcefully with the passenger side of the truck. The impact threw him from his bike, causing severe injuries despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet.
State Police officials have pointed out that the circumstances surrounding the accident suggest the truck’s driver either misjudged the motorcycle’s speed or failed to spot the oncoming vehicle. In many such collisions, left-turning vehicles can pose significant risks to motorcyclists, as motorcycles are often more difficult to spot due to their size and speed profile. A left turn into the path of an oncoming vehicle is one of the most common causes of accidents involving motorcycles, which typically suffer disproportionately due to their lack of protection compared to larger vehicles.
Adding to the tragedy, the driver of the truck did not remain at the scene, nor did they contact emergency responders, leaving St. Angelo alone and fatally injured on the road. Louisiana State Police are now focusing their efforts on locating the hit-and-run driver, emphasizing the need for public assistance in tracking down the vehicle involved. Evidence collected from the scene, including vehicle fragments and witness statements, has led investigators to narrow their search to a light-colored pickup truck, possibly white, with visible damage on the passenger side near the front door.
The type of damage, combined with the estimated model of the truck, could aid investigators in locating and identifying the vehicle. Additionally, police are leveraging surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras along St. Bernard Highway in the hope of capturing images that may provide more specific details about the truck’s movements before and after the crash.
Hit-and-run incidents such as this one carry serious legal consequences in Louisiana. Under state law, drivers involved in crashes are required to stop, provide assistance, and remain at the scene to share relevant information with law enforcement. Fleeing the scene is a severe offense that can result in substantial penalties, including jail time and fines, especially when a fatality is involved. Louisiana law categorizes fatal hit-and-run offenses as felonies, with sentencing guidelines reflecting the gravity of the crime.
St. Angelo’s death has shaken the local community, especially as many residents of St. Bernard Parish have expressed their sadness over losing a young community member in such a tragic and avoidable manner. Friends and family have paid tribute to St. Angelo, remembering him as a dedicated young man with a passion for riding. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face and has reignited conversations about the importance of driver awareness and safety, particularly regarding motorcycles on the road.
Investigators are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the truck or its driver to come forward. Louisiana State Police have also set up an anonymous tip line for individuals who may wish to contribute information without disclosing their identity. Law enforcement officials remain hopeful that the individual responsible will be apprehended, offering a sense of closure to St. Angelo’s family and underscoring the state’s commitment to road safety and justice.
As the investigation continues, police remind the public to drive cautiously and to respect the rules of the road, especially when it comes to vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.
