Drive-Through Christmas Display part of First Annual Nicholls WinterFest
December 18, 2020
Mary Ann McElroy
December 19, 2020
On December 5, 2020 at approximately 9:30 in the morning, Troopers with Troop C investigated a two-vehicle critical injury crash on LA 654 in Gheens involving a motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle, 32-year-old Michael Dean of Gheens, ultimately died of his injuries.
The on-scene investigation revealed Dean was traveling west on LA 654 on a 2012 Honda motorcycle. For reasons still under investigation, Dean crossed the center line of LA 654 while in a right curve. He entered the eastbound lane of LA 654 and struck a 2018 Infiniti QX8 head-on.
Dean was wearing a DOT approved helmet, but suffered critical injuries. He was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans by Acadian Ambulance Air Med Service. The driver of the Infiniti was properly restrained and was not injured in the crash. On December 17, 2020, Dean succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
Speed is considered to be a factor and impairment is not suspected on the part of Dean. The driver of the Infiniti submitted a breath sample which showed no alcohol present. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur. Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death.
Troop C has investigated 32 fatal crashes resulting in 34 deaths in 2020.
