A 73-year-old man a wheelchair was killed after he was struck by a vehicle early Tuesday on a highway in the Loranger area of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana State Police said.
Keith Guidry, of Loranger, was in a wheelchair traveling southbound in the northbound lane of La. 445 near Gliderport Road when he was hit by a northbound Ford F-350 pickup shortly before 5:50 a.m., State Police said.
State Police said Guidry was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured. The investigation is continuing, authorities said.
"As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected from both Guidry and the driver for analysis," the State Police said in a news release.
Troopers reminded pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices, to wear reflective clothing and avoid traveling in dark areas.
"Pedestrians must assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night," the news release said. "Pedestrians should cross roadways in well-lit, designated areas and always travel facing traffic. These simple steps can help enhance safety for all pedestrians."