Troopers Seeking Information in Jefferson Parish Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed Bicyclist

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE
March 12, 2026

Bridge City – On March 11, 2026, shortly before 5:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist on Louisiana Highway 18 (Seven Oaks Boulevard) near Utah Beach Drive in Jefferson Parish. The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old Douglas Pritchett of Bridge City.

The preliminary investigation found that Pritchett was riding a bicycle west in the eastbound travel lanes of LA Hwy 18. At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling east on LA Hwy 18 approaching Utah Beach Drive. For reasons still under investigation, Pritchett was struck by the unknown vehicle and fell from his bicycle into the road. The unknown vehicle then left the scene. A short time later, Pritchett was struck by an eastbound 2000 Chevrolet S-10. Investigators also found that the bicycle did not have visible lights at the time of the crash.

Pritchett sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured.

The driver of the Chevrolet was not suspected of being impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample which showed no alcohol detected.

Troopers have continued the investigation and are working to gather all available information related to this crash, including determining the make and model of the vehicle involved and identifying the driver. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at (504) 471-2775. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting lsp.org and selecting the “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity” link.

Contact Information:
Trooper Kyle Wagner
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop B
(504) 202-6900
[email protected]