John Callender Obituary: Louisiana State Police Identify Bicyclist Killed In Thursday Crash in Ascension Parish

According to Louisiana State Police in a media release, shortly before 5:00 a.m. on June 13, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a fatal crash involving a bicyclist on LA 22, just west of LA 937 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old John A. Callender of Saint Amant.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was traveling west on LA 22 in the westbound lane. At the same time, Callender was riding a bicycle on LA 22, traveling west in the eastbound lane. While traveling in a passing zone, the Chevrolet crossed the center of the roadway to pass a vehicle ahead of it. As the Chevrolet traveled west in the eastbound lane, it impacted the rear of the bicycle, police said.

Callender was ejected from the bicycle, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital. The driver of the vehicle, who was restrained at the time of the crash, was uninjured during the crash. Impairment is not suspected, however, standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana bicycle law mandates that cyclists must adhere to traffic regulations just like motorists. Additionally, cyclists are required to ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible, except when passing or turning left. Adhering to these laws not only promotes roadway safety but also ensures better understanding between cyclists and other road users in Louisiana.