LIVINGSTON PARISH  – A fatal Sunday evening crash in Livingston Parish resulted in the death of a 58-year-old man from Independence.

Louisiana State Police Troopers say 58-year-old Jerry Viola was killed following a collision between his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Toyota Highlander on La Highway 442 near La Highway 1036.

According to state police, the crash occurred when the Highlander, which was being driven by 35-year-old Melissa Zapata of Independence, was headed west on Louisiana Highway 442 and Zapata attempted a left turn into a private driveway.

During this turn the motorcycle and Highlander collided. 

Though Viola was wearing a DOT approved helmet, he sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

At this time, the crash remains under investigation.