Rodrigo Ornelas Jr. killed in Folsom hit-and-run bicycle accident, LSP says
Troopers are searching for a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that left the scene on LA Highway 40
Rodrigo Ornelas Jr., 24, of Folsom, was killed in a hit-and-run bicycle crash on LA Highway 40 near Blackwell Cemetery Road in St. Tammany Parish early Sunday, according to the Louisiana State Police.
He suffered serious injuries and was taken from the poorly lit roadway to a local hospital, where he later died.
Investigators said the eastbound bicycle was struck from behind by a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that was also traveling east. The driver left the scene.
Troopers noted the bicycle was equipped with reflectors but lacked lights, and Ornelas was not wearing a helmet. A routine toxicology exam was obtained.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect vehicle and have asked anyone with information to contact Troop L or the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center.
While troopers search for the dark-colored sedan or SUV, investigators will examine evidence left at the scene to identify the specific make and model of the suspect vehicle. Hit-and-run collisions leave grieving families searching for answers while the at-fault party evades responsibility.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In hit-and-run accidents, forensic evidence such as paint transfer, tire marks, and broken vehicle parts are critical for tracking down the fleeing driver and holding them accountable."
The Louisiana State Police will review any available surveillance footage from nearby properties along the highway corridor. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run crashes account for roughly 20 percent of all pedestrian and bicyclist deaths nationwide.
Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, added that "Bicycle collisions often require a thorough reconstruction to determine vehicle speed, trajectory, and sightlines, especially in poorly lit areas where visibility is a factor."
Victims' families may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand their legal options while the investigation continues.
Under Louisiana's wrongful death statute (La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.2), surviving family members may pursue a civil claim against an at-fault driver to recover damages for the loss of a loved one. In cases where a hit-and-run driver is not immediately identified, victims' families may still have avenues for financial recovery through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Uninsured motorist policies can provide a vital safety net in hit-and-run accidents, allowing families to seek compensation for medical bills and funeral costs even if the fleeing driver is never found."
Families pursuing these claims must adhere to Louisiana's strict one-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Compensation in these cases typically covers economic losses, such as medical expenses incurred prior to death and funeral costs, as well as non-economic damages like loss of companionship and emotional distress.