SUV struck the Folsom man from behind near Blackwell Cemetery Road and fled the scene
April 12, 2026 | Saint Tammany, LA
Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident in St. Tammany Parish that claimed the life of a 24-year-old bicyclist.
Rodrigo Ornelas Jr., 24, died after a hit-and-run driver struck his bicycle on LA Highway 40 at Blackwell Cemetery Road.
Rodrigo Ornelas Jr., from Folsom, was cycling eastbound on LA Highway 40 near Blackwell Cemetery Road around 12:30 a.m. on April 12 when a vehicle struck him from behind. The driver fled before emergency responders arrived.
Ornelas was rushed to a nearby hospital but did not survive his injuries. Authorities describe the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored sedan or small SUV.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: April 12, approximately 12:30 a.m.
- Location: LA Highway 40 at Blackwell Cemetery Road, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
- Victim: Rodrigo Ornelas Jr., 24, of Folsom, riding a bicycle
- Incident Details: Struck from behind by an unknown vehicle, the driver fled the scene
- Outcome: The victim was transported to the hospital and later died from injuries
- Investigating Agency: Louisiana State Police Troop L
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Louisiana State Police Troop L at (985) 893-6250.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run crashes often stem from drivers fearing legal consequences, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or outstanding warrants. These incidents leave victims without immediate aid and complicate investigations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents pose a significant public safety risk.
Year Range |
Total Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Fatalities Involved |
|---|
2018-2022 |
Over 4 million |
More than 12,000 |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run collisions, thorough investigations are crucial to establish fault and support claims for justice.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence tied to environmental factors like poor lighting or road hazards.
- Prompt action preserves evidence essential for building strong cases.
- Victims' families may pursue compensation for losses, including medical expenses and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Pending the ongoing investigation, Ornelas' family could be eligible for a wrongful death claim to address companionship loss, suffering, and distress.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).