WOMACK, La. – One person was killed in a motorcycle versus 18-wheeler crash in Louisiana on Monday.
Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated in a press release that the crash occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 34, just east of Louisiana Highway 810. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Joshua Taylor of Chatham.
LSP says the preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Taylor, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 34. At the same time, a 2025 Kenworth Tractor, pulling a wood chip trailer, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 34. For reasons still under investigation, the Kawasaki veered left, crossed over the centerline, and struck the Kenworth head-on in the westbound lane of Louisiana Highway 34.
Taylor, who was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, died at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth was properly restrained and uninjured. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
