Lafayette Police identify man killed in Evangeline Thruway crash

Lafayette Police have identified 50-year-old Mark Hayes as the individual killed in a fatal collision on SE Evangeline Thruway on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred near the intersection of E. Verot School Road.

According to initial investigations, Hayes was operating a gas-powered bicycle traveling northbound. Police report that after a vehicle ahead of him stopped for a red light, Hayes moved onto the shoulder, disregarded the red light, and entered the intersection. He subsequently struck a trailer being towed by a pickup truck that was making a left turn.

The driver of the pickup truck was uninjured and showed no signs of impairment; a voluntary breath sample yielded no alcohol. While the investigation into the crash continues, authorities have not announced any citations or charges. The roadway, which had been temporarily closed to divert traffic, was reopened by 2:40 p.m.