Calcasieu Parish – On February 21, 2023, shortly before 8:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of US Hwy 171 and Victoria Drive in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Jeffery B. Spell Jr. of Lake Charles and 29-year-old Connie Sue Fontenot of Lake Charles.

The initial investigation revealed a 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by Spell, was traveling south on US 171 at a high rate of speed. The driver of a 2016 Ford pickup truck was making a left turn onto Victoria Drive when the motorcycle struck the Ford. The impact caused both Spell and Fontenot to be ejected from the motorcycle.

Despite wearing helmets, both Spell and Fontenot sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford and his passenger were both properly restrained and not injured.

Toxicology samples were obtained from Spell and the driver of the Ford and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur. Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death.

For more information on the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program, visit http://lsp.org/motorcycle.html

Troop D has investigated 4 fatal crashes resulting in 5 deaths in 2023.