MC rider killed in Sorrento

[Redbone]

Today the mayor (Brenda Melancon) of Sorrento, La. pulled out on to U.S 61 in front of a moyorcycle w/2 on board. The motorcycle driver was dead on scene. Female passenger was taken to hospital with unknown injuries. Tox screnes being done. 3 charges against mayor.

The MC riders were from Prairieville. They gave the names on the news but I didn't recognize or memorize them. Not a typical name for our area.

[Doug]

Man, very sorry to hear this.
I saw dozens of bikes on the road today on the way home from Taft.
Family and friends are gonna need our prayers...

[Katy]

wow thats something, prayers to the family and injured

[scootertrash]

Went through Sorrento today on my bike with a passenger.... scary to hear this!

[Redbird]

Sorrento mayor charged in fatal crash Sunday

2theadvocate.com staff report
Published: Oct 14, 2007 - UPDATED: 4:50 p.m.

Sorrento mayor Brenda G. Melancon was charged in a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on Sunday afternoon, according to Louisiana State Police.

The driver of the motorcycle, James Pickholtz, 41, of Prairieville, was killed. Pickholtz’ wife Amy J. R. Pickholtz, 46, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Melancon, 66, was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Gonzales with moderate injuries.

Mayor Melancon is charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and failure to yield from a private drive. The accident occurred shortly after noon on Sunday on Hwy 61 north of LA Hwy 22 in Ascension Parish.

According to state police, Melancon’s 2005 Pontiac Bonneville was stopped at the intersection of the Ascension Civic Center driveway and U.S. Hwy 61. At the same time, a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle was northbound on U.S. Hwy 61 nearing the Ascension Civic Center driveway. The Pontiac attempted to make a left turn and entered into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle crashed into the driver’s door. The occupants were ejected and came to rest in the median of US Hwy 61.

Helmets and a safety belt were utilized and impairment is pending toxicology results, according to state police.


We almost took a ride through Hwy 22 today, but decided to head East instead.
Sad news. Godspeed Mr. Pickholtz, and prayers for Mrs. Pickholtz and friends and family.

[BabyBoy70363]

Prayers sent.

[Juice]

Godspeed

[silas]

prayers sent for family and friends.

[nickatnite]

Went through Sorrento today on my bike with a passenger.... scary to hear this!

Hey Kev,

Apparently, this happened not long after we all came thru there going home.

[scootertrash]

I know, thats whats kind of freaky! I almost ran into some numb nuts pulling out of that same drive way. Kind of Ironic, sad to hear this. But makes you think. Go ahead and pick on my extra lights on my pig, people see me! Maybe I should mount a big Strobe on my helmet? Whatcha think?


Hey Kev,

Apparently, this happened not long after we all came thru there going home.

[jason70360]

godspeed

[Redbone]

Maybe I should mount a big Strobe on my helmet? Whatcha think?

I'll mount the light on the helmet if you can get Joey to mount a battery on your butt.Beat up12

[2Evil4U]

Not a lot more info, but I got this from the BR HOG chapter:

The note below was sent by Warren Broussard (MAC President). James Pickholtz recently joined the Baton Rouge Harley Owners Group. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Baton Rouge Chapter
Harley Owners Group


Sorrento Mayor Posts Bond on Charge of Negligent Homicide

Oct 15, 2007 10:38 AM CDT
Sorrento Mayor Brenda G. Melancon (Courtesy: Gonzales Weekly Citizen)

SORRENTO, La. (AP) - Sorrento Mayor Brenda G. Melancon was booked with negligent homicide after a fatal accident on Airline Highway in Sorrento. Melancon was released from jail at 6:08pm Sunday after posting a $25,000 bond. She was not at work Monday morning.

The 66-year-old Melancon was leaving the town's annual Boucherie Festival when she pulled out of the festival site, onto Airline Highway. State Police say Melancon drove into the path of a motorcycle.

Troopers say the motorcycle hit the driver's side of Melancon's car, ejecting both riders onto the median and killing the driver, 41-year-old James Pickholtz of Prairieville. Pickholtz was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers say the victim's wife, 46-year-old Amy J.R. Pickholtz, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

State Police handled the accident investigation at the request of the Sorrento Police Department.

Melancon suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Gonzales. She was booked on counts of negligent homicide, negligent injuring and failure to yield from a private drive.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[Redbone]

I'm still waiting on tox test. I hope she wasn't drunk BUT she was leaving a festival. As a fireman/EMT for many years I take a dim look on drunken driving caused accidents. I have worked too many and have likened it to murder. The difference doesn't help the victims on the bike any. It just effects my point of view of the situation.

[2Evil4U]

no matter how it works out, it's still a case of what we have everytime we get on a bike: RWI

riding while invisible.

[Redbird]

I'm still waiting on tox test. I hope she wasn't drunk BUT she was leaving a festival.

I also wonder if she was drunk. Could that be why they charged her so hard?
Generally they just get Failure to Yield.qwer

[Redbird]

Found another article...
-------------------------------------

Sorrento Mayor: "I Didn't See The Riders Coming"

Sorrento Mayor Brenda G. Melancon said she looked in both directions and didn't see any vehicles coming before she pulled out of a driveway Sunday and hit a motorcycle, killing the driver and injuring the passenger.

State police booked 66-year-old Melancon with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and failure to yield from a private drive.

Melancon posted a $25,000 bond Sunday and was released from jail.

Ascension Parish Jail Warden Bobby Webre says Melancon spent less than an hour behind bars before bail was posted.

The driver of the motorcycle, 41-year-old James Pickholtz of Prairieville, died at the scene.

His 46-year-old wife, Amy, was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge for treatment of serious injuries.

The accident occurred Sunday afternoon at the Ascension Civic Center off U.S. Highway 61 in Sorrento.

If convicted of negligent homicide, Melancon could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
------------------------------

"I didn't SEE the Rider" means "I didn't LOOK for the Rider"

[lovethewater72]

Prayers to family and friends. This is so sad to hear.

[Navaho6]

no matter how it works out, it's still a case of what we have everytime we get on a bike: RWI

riding while invisible.

There's something you can do about that. If you want to be seen, get one of these: http://www.customdynamics.com/signal_dynamics_diamond_star_headlight_modulator.h tm

I had one on my SV650, and I honestly believe it saved me from an accident (maybe even saved my life) on more than one occasion. I only turned it on when I got in heavy traffic or when I thought it was necessary (when a car pulls up fast to an intersection). Many times people in cars would let me pass, even when they had "all day" to cross the intersection. Cars and trucks "freeze" when they see it.

I recently sold my SV to a friend. He emailed me yesterday and said: "Man that headlight modulator WORKS!! I'm glad you installed that"

I am putting one on my DR650 Friday. I think all bikes should come from the factory with these.

[Doug]

As Bob Courtney of LA Rider said, "Let's put a face on these victims".

Jim and Amy had just joined MAC recently...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/MAC/JimP.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/MAC/Jimp2.jpg