EUNICE - Shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 14, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US Hwy 190 near LA Hwy 367 in St. Landry Parish. The crash ultimately took the life of 75-year-old Melvin Granger of Eunice.
According to La. State Police Troop I, "The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Granger was riding a 2006 Honda Goldwing trike motorcycle eastbound on US 190. At the same time, a driver operating a 1997 Ford Escort approached the stop sign and stopped in the northbound lane of LA 367. Granger exited the roadway onto the shoulder then impacted the stopped Ford. After the impact, Granger was ejected from the Goldwing.
Despite the fact that he was wearing a DOT approved safety helmet, Granger received critical injuries. He ultimately succumbed to his injures several days later at a local hospital. The other driver was properly restrained and was uninjured. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation."
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, always wear a DOT approved helmet when operating a motorcycle, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
This crash is the 5th fatality crash, resulting in the 7th death, investigated by LSP Troop I in 2020.