Pedestrian killed by vehicle

Shortly before 4 p.m. on Feb. 15, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A (LSP) began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash involving a pedestrian on La. 934 east of La. 44 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 34-year-old Brad Nickens of Prairieville.

The initial investigation by LSP revealed that the crash occurred as Nickens was walking across La. 934 from north to south.  At the same time, 20-year-old Christopher Bourque of Gonzales was traveling eastbound on La. 934 in a 2000 Toyota Tacoma.  For unknown reasons, Nickens walked into the path of Bourque’s vehicle and was struck in the eastbound lane of La. 934.

Nickens was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash. A toxicology sample was taken from Nickens and Bourque and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

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 walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes.

Both motorists and pedestrians are urged to call *LSP (*577) to reach the nearest LSP Troop location to report roadway incidents or request assistance if needed.