A late-night bike ride on Cleveland Avenue ended in tragedy early Sunday when a 24-year-old cyclist, identified by authorities as Rodrigo Ornelas Jr., was struck by a vehicle and fatally injured just outside Folsom. Troopers were called to the scene on LA Highway 40 at about 12:30 a.m. Ornelas was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver took off, leaving investigators with a deadly hit-and-run and a lot of unanswered questions.
As reported by NOLA, Louisiana State Police said Ornelas was riding eastbound near Blackwell Cemetery Road when he was hit by an unknown dark-colored sedan or SUV. Troopers classified the crash as a hit-and-run and said the investigation remains active.
Louisiana State Police said Ornelas was wearing light-colored clothing and that his bicycle had reflectors, but that he was not wearing a helmet and his bike did not have lights. The agency also said a routine toxicology sample was collected as part of the ongoing death investigation.
Troopers Ask for Video and Tips
Investigators are now trying to track down the driver, and they are counting on the public to help. Troopers are asking anyone who saw the crash or who may have dash-cam or surveillance footage from the area to come forward. According to NOLA, officials urge people with information to call the Louisiana State Police at (985) 893-6250 or the LSP Fusion Center hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Nighttime Risk and Hit-and-Run Trends
Hit-and-run collisions make up a substantial share of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths nationally, and the danger climbs after dark when visibility drops, the Governors Highway Safety Association reports. The GHSA notes that one in four pedestrian deaths involves a hit-and-run driver. A 2023 overview from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights just how many people are killed in crashes involving hit-and-run drivers, according to NHTSA.
Ornelas’ death underscores a familiar, painful reminder on Louisiana roads: cyclists are urged to use lights and reflective gear, and drivers are expected to slow down, pay attention, and stop to render aid when something goes wrong. Louisiana State Police said the investigation remains open and that troopers will release additional details as new leads develop.
