Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on La. 93 at Billeaux Road in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 36-year-old James Ryan Elliott of Scott.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Elliott was riding a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on La. 93. At the same time, 33-year-old Ryan Joseph Richard was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup southbound on La. 93 after just turning left off of Billeaux Road. Ricard failed to maintain control of his pickup as he entered onto La. 93 and struck the oncoming Harley Davidson as he entered the northbound lane.
Despite the fact that he was wearing a DOT approved safety helmet, Elliott received fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. Richard was uninjured, despite not being properly restrained. Richard did submit a proper breath sample indicating a blood alcohol concentration of 0.224g%. Standard toxicology results are pending on the part of Elliott.
Richard was charged with no seat belt, careless operation, and vehicular homicide.