OFF THE WIRE
LA: http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20111030/HURBLOG/111039988/1223?Title=One-dead-in-motorcycle-pickup-crash One dead in motorcycle-pickup crash
Houma Police are investigating a fatal crash between a motorcycle and a pickup that happened on Grand Caillou Road near Emma Street. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at Terrebonne General Medical Center, while the pickup's driver was uninjured.
Michael Conti/Staff By Eric Heisig Staff Writer
. A crash between a motorcycle and a pickup on Grand Caillou Road in Houma Sunday night left one dead, police said.
The wreck happened at 7:50 p.m. near Emma Street, authorities said, when the motorcycle, driven by 44-year-old Werlien Prosperie Jr., collided with a pickup driven by 40-year-old Felix Carrasco, as Prosperie turned onto Emma Street, Houma Police said.
Prosperie, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at Terrebonne General Medical Center.
Werlien Prosperie Jr., an offshore worker, was the son of Werlien Prosperie Sr. and sister of Sonia McNamara, owners of the Jolly Inn, a Barrow Street restaurant known for its Cajun music and dancing.
Carrasco was uninjured, and police said he had not been drinking.
Blood-alcohol tests, required by state law in all fatal crashes, are pending. Results of those tests typically take four to six weeks.
Carrasco, a Hispanic accused of being in the country illegally, has been arrested because state law bars illegal aliens from driving.
He remained in the Terrebonne Parish jail this morning, where he was being held for U.S. Immigration officials.
Efforts to reach Prosperie's family were unsuccessful.
Angela Dubois, a longtime friend, said the two first met as classmates, first at Oaklawn Junior High and later at South Terrebonne.
In recent years, she said, they kept in touch on Facebook.
“He was a good guy,” Dubois said.
The crash happened near The Bar off Grand Caillou Road.
Dana Belanger, owner of The Bar, said she has been a friend of the family for many years.
“He was a sweetheart,” Belanger said of Prosperie. “He was a great guy, that's who he was.”
This is the third fatal wreck in Houma's city limits this year.
