Local News
21-year-old Gavin Dietrich Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Highway 11 in Slidell
SLIDELL, La. — A tragic motorcycle crash in Slidell early Thursday morning claimed the life of 21-year-old Gavin B. Dietrich, according to authorities.
The fatal accident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on May 14 along Highway 11 near Lakeview Drive, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Investigators said Gavin Dietrich, a resident of Slidell, was operating a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle southbound on Highway 11 when the crash happened.
Preliminary findings indicate that the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed while approaching a right-hand curve in the roadway.
State police reported that the motorcycle failed to negotiate the curve and traveled off the left side of the highway.
The bike then entered a gravel parking lot before continuing over an embankment near the coastal shoreline.
Authorities said Dietrich was ejected from the motorcycle during the crash and struck shoreline riprap along the coast. He sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency personnel responded to the area shortly after the collision, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful due to the extent of the injuries suffered in the crash.
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly motorcycle accident, including the factors that may have contributed to the loss of control.
No additional vehicles were reported to be involved.
The death of Gavin Dietrich has left the Slidell community mourning the loss of the young motorcyclist as family, friends, and loved ones remember his life following the devastating Highway 11 crash.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.