The West Monroe community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 63-year-old Donald Conway, a local bicyclist who died following a tragic collision at one of the city’s busy intersections on the afternoon of June 4, 2026. What began as a routine day quickly turned into a devastating tragedy that has left family members, friends, and neighbors grieving the loss of a man remembered as a familiar and valued presence in the community. As loved ones come to terms with his passing, many are reflecting on the life he lived and the impact he had on those around him.
According to the West Monroe Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:10 p.m. to reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist at the intersection of Cypress Street and North 7th Street. Investigators say Conway was traveling eastbound on Cypress Street and was crossing through the intersection at the time of the collision. Simultaneously, a 2014 GMC pickup truck was traveling northbound on North 7th Street in the outside lane.
Preliminary findings indicate that a witness vehicle was stopped at a red light in the inside northbound lane when the traffic signal changed from red to green. Authorities report that Conway was still crossing the intersection and had passed in front of the stopped vehicle before entering the adjacent lane. As the signal changed, the GMC pickup proceeded through the intersection and struck him. The tragic sequence of events unfolded within moments, forever changing the lives of everyone involved.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and immediately provided medical assistance at the scene. Conway was then transported to a nearby hospital for advanced treatment. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, he later succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash. The news of his passing spread throughout West Monroe, leaving many residents saddened by the sudden loss of a longtime community member.
Officials confirmed that the driver of the GMC pickup, 84-year-old Carolyn Garrett, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Authorities have stated that impairment is not believed to have been a factor in the collision. At this time, no criminal charges have been announced, and investigators continue reviewing evidence to determine all circumstances surrounding the incident.
For those who knew Donald Conway, his passing is about far more than a traffic accident. Friends and neighbors remember him as someone who frequently traveled by bicycle, enjoying the outdoors and staying connected to the community he called home. His death serves as a painful reminder of how quickly tragedy can occur on busy roadways where motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians share the same space. As the investigation continues, West Monroe stands united in mourning, honoring Donald Conway’s memory and extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss.
