Driver pulls into path of motorcycle on I-49; biker killed

A two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Interstate 49 south near milepost 14 has claimed the life of a Lafayette man. The crash occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. on September 24, 2014.
According to investigating Troopers, 67-year-old Donald Royer of Lafayette was riding a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound on I-49 in the right lane of travel.
At the same time, 62-year-old Willie Smith of Church Point was driving a 1998 Dodge Dakota southbound on the right hand shoulder of I-49.
Smith merged his Dodge into the right hand lane of travel ahead of Royer.
Royer attempted to avoid striking the rear of the Dodge, but upon doing so lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected.
Royer was seriously injured as a result of being ejected from his motorcycle. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. During the investigation, Troopers were able to determine Royer was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Impairment is not considered to be a factor in the crash; however, toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.