Motorcyclist dies after crash in Geismar Thursday night

GEISMAR, LA (WAFB) - One man from Prairieville is dead following a motorcycle wreck in Geismar Thursday night.

Just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal wreck involving a motorcycle on LA 30 east of LA 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of Paul Stephens, 56.

The initial investigation by LSP revealed the wreck happened as Stephens was driving his 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on LA 30, when he attempted to pass an 18-wheeler using the center turn lane and struck a raised divider in the median. The impact caused Stephens to be ejected from the motorcycle. Stephens came to rest in the westbound lane. While lying in the roadway, he was struck by a 2000 GMC Yukon being driven by Ivan Dunbar of Gonzales.

Stephens suffered serious injuries due to this incident and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where he later died. Dunbar was properly restrained during the crash and was not injured. Impairment is not suspected as a factor in this wreck, but a toxicology sample was taken from both drivers for analysis.

Troopers encourage all motorcycle riders to take an approved safety course. For more information about the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program, click here.

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