Published: 09-25-2025 | Category: Troop I
Eunice– On September 24, 2025, just before 8:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash involving a bicyclist on US Highway 190 near Eastpark Drive in St. Landry Parish. The crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Michael Fontenot of Eunice.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Fontenot was traveling east on the left shoulder of US Hwy 190 while riding a bicycle. At the same time, a 2020 Acura TLX was traveling east on US Hwy 190 in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, the bicyclist made a U-turn from the shoulder into the left lane of travel and was struck by the Acura.
Fontenot, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the Acura was properly restrained and not injured.
The driver of the Acura was not suspected of being impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample which showed no alcohol detected. A standard toxicology sample was collected from the bicyclist and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation
To ensure visibility and safety, Louisiana law (LRS 32:329.1) requires bicycles to be equipped with specific lighting and reflectors. Bicycles must have a white light in the front and a red light in the rear, both visible from at least 500 feet away. Additionally, a rear reflector must be visible from 100 feet away, and side-mounted reflectors must be visible from 100 to 600 feet. These measures are in place to enhance visibility and promote safety when riding at night or in low-light conditions. For more information on bicycle safety, visit the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/.
Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262-5880
[email protected]