Louisiana State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash in St. Mary Parish that claimed the life of a Franklin man.
According to LSP Troop I Spokesperson Tpr. Thomas Gossen, 56-year-old Felix Perro, Jr. was killed in the crash on La Hwy 322 (Sterling Road) near Cypress Street.
The investigation revealed a motorcycle, driven by Perro, was traveling east on Hwy 322. At the same time, an International 18-wheeler pulling a sugar cane trailer, being driven by 56-year-old Miguel Martinez-Villalobos, was turning left onto La 322 from a private lot. The 18-wheeler failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. Perro, in an attempt to avoid the collision, 'laid down' the motorcycle, but was unsuccessful and became lodged under the trailer.
Despite wearing a DOT approved helmet, Perro suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez-Villalobos was properly restrained and was not injured.
Martinez-Vallalobos, who showed no signs of impairment, did submit a voluntary breath sample which indicated no alcohol in his system. A toxicology sample was obtained from Perro for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are more difficult to see. Drivers are asked to pay attention behind the wheel and to always watch for motorcycles.
Troop I has investigated 52 fatal crashes resulting in 57 deaths in 2020.
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