New Iberia Man Killed in Bicycle-Vehicle Crash

A New Iberia man who was riding his bicycle on E. Admiral Doyle Drive on Sunday night has died after he was struck by a vehicle.

According to Louisiana State Police, the crash claimed the life of 47-year-old Sonephet Souriyakhamphong.

Shortly after 10:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of the two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 674 (E. Admiral Doyle Dr.) near Blanchard Road.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Souriyakhamphong was traveling east on E. Admiral Doyle Dr. near the right fog line. At the same time, a 2015 Jeep Renegade was also traveling east when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver of that vehicle struck the rear of the bicycle.

Souriyakhamphong, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

The Jeep driver was properly restrained and not injured. Troopers determined that the bicycle was not equipped with rear lights or reflectors.

The driver of the Jeep 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.

The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police advises the following safety guidelines for bicyclists:

Louisiana law (LRS 32:329.1) requires bicycles to be equipped with specific lighting and reflectors to ensure visibility and safety. Bicycles must have a white light in the front and a red light in the rear, both visible from at least 500 feet away. 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/.