Lafayette Man On Gas-Powered Bicycle Killed In Crash

LAFAYETTE, La. — Lafayette Police have identified the man killed in a crash that shut down part of SE Evangeline Thruway Tuesday afternoon and released new details about what investigators believe led to the collision.

Mark Hayes, 50, of Lafayette, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash at SE Evangeline Thruway and E. Verot School Road.

Police said officers were called to the 2600 block of SE Evangeline Thruway northbound at approximately 12:54 p.m. on Tuesday (October 6).

Hayes was riding what police described as a gas-powered bicycle.

What Lafayette Police Say Happened

According to the Lafayette Police Department's initial investigation, Hayes was traveling northbound in the outside lane of SE Evangeline Thruway.

As he approached the intersection, a vehicle ahead of him stopped for a red light.

Police said Hayes then moved onto the shoulder, disregarded the red light and continued into the intersection.

At the same time, a pickup truck towing a trailer was making a left turn through the intersection.

Hayes struck the trailer during the turn, according to police.

He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured.

Police Say Truck Driver Showed No Alcohol Present

Lafayette Police said impairment is not suspected on the part of the pickup truck driver.

The driver voluntarily submitted a breath sample, which police said showed no alcohol present.

Routine toxicology testing for Hayes remains pending.

Police have not announced any citations or charges related to the crash.

Evangeline Thruway Reopens Following Fatal Crash

The crash prompted authorities to close SE Evangeline Thruway at Southpark Road earlier Tuesday afternoon, with traffic diverted onto Southpark Road and W. Pinhook Road.

Lafayette Police confirmed that all lanes of SE Evangeline Thruway had reopened as of 2:40 p.m.

The fatal crash remains under investigation by the Lafayette Police Department Traffic Unit.