Opelousas Pedestrian Dies in Late Night Crash

50-year-old Ronald Hasselbeck of Opelousas died on Friday night after he was hit while trying to cross the road.

In a press release, Louisiana State Police spokesman Trooper Thomas Gossen says Troopers responded to the incident shortly before 10:00 p.m. Friday night on LA Hwy 182 near Linda Lane. Investigators say the pedestrian Hasselbeck, who was wearing dark clothing, attempted to walk across the northbound travel lane of the highway when he was struck by a truck driven by 35-year-old Trace Lockett of Opelousas. Troopers say Lockett was not impaired and was properly restrained, suffering no injuries.

Authorities continue to investigate as standard toxicology samples were taken and are being analyzed.

"A majority of pedestrian fatalities, nearly 70 percent, occur at night," says Trooper Gossen in the press release. "Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and not walking too close to roadways could prevent most pedestrian-related crashes. The dangers of driving impaired and distracted can also contribute to tragedies such as these and we ask all drivers to be vigilant behind the wheel."

Trooper Gossen also reveals that, since 2020 began, Troop I has investigated 13 fatal crashes that involve 15 deaths.