A tragic early morning crash in Jefferson Parish has claimed the life of a 46-year-old bicyclist after a hit-and-run incident along a busy highway. Authorities say the victim, Douglas Pritchett of Bridge City, died after being struck by a vehicle and later hit by a second vehicle on Louisiana Highway 18.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop B, troopers began investigating the fatal crash shortly before 5:00 a.m. on March 11, 2026. The incident occurred along Louisiana Highway 18, also known as Seven Oaks Boulevard, near the intersection of Utah Beach Drive. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and discovered the bicyclist suffering from severe injuries.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that Pritchett had been riding his bicycle westbound in the eastbound travel lanes of the highway. At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 18 approaching Utah Beach Drive. For reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle struck Pritchett, causing him to fall from his bicycle onto the roadway.
Authorities say the vehicle that initially struck the cyclist did not stop and instead fled the scene. Moments later, a second vehicle—a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 traveling eastbound—approached the area and struck Pritchett as he lay on the roadway. Investigators later noted that the bicycle did not have visible lights at the time of the crash, which may have affected visibility in the early morning darkness.
Pritchett suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that the driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck was not injured. Troopers also reported that the driver was not suspected of being impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample, which showed no alcohol in their system.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police continue to actively investigate the hit-and-run incident as they work to gather more details about the unknown vehicle involved in the initial collision. Investigators are attempting to determine the make and model of the vehicle and identify the driver responsible. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could help authorities is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B as the search for answers continues.
