By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A Canadian tourist was killed Saturday in St. Charles Parish after he stepped into the path of traffic on Airline Highway and a car struck him, according to State Police.

Henri Emond, 65, of Quebec, was struck near the intersection of Airline Highway and James Drive in St. Rose around 9 p.m. Saturday, said State Police Troop B spokesperson Melissa Matey. Emond was hit by a 2002 Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on Airline Highway in the right lane and driven by Kay Barbin, 66, of Kenner.

Matey said Emond walked into the path of the oncoming vehicle. He was transported to Kenner Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Barbin submitted to a voluntary breath analysis, which revealed that there was no alcohol in her system. Matey said impairment is suspected on Emond’s part, but a toxicology examination is still pending.

Matey said there have been several fatal pedestrian crashes across Louisiana this year and added that most of the crashes have occurred at night in dark areas. She said State Police reminds the public of the importance of pedestrian safety and that pedestrians should take steps to decrease the risk of being struck by a vehicle, including wearing light-colored or reflective clothing, walking against traffic flow and crossing roads only when it is safe to do so at marked intersections.