A late-night crash has taken the life of a New Iberia man.

According to the Louisiana State Police, on November 24, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle fatality crash involving a bicyclist on Louisiana Highway 674 (E. Admiral Doyle Dr.) near Blanchard Road. The crash claimed the life of 47-year-old Sonephet Souriyakhamphong of New Iberia.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Souriyakhamphong was traveling east on LA Hwy 674 near the
right fog line. At the same time, a 2015 Jeep Renegade was also traveling east. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep struck the rear of the bicycle.

Souriyakhamphong, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and
died at the scene. The driver of the Jeep was properly restrained and not injured. Troopers determined that the bicycle was not equipped with rear lights or reflectors.

The driver of the Jeep was not suspected of being impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample which
showed no alcohol detected. A standard toxicology sample was collected from the bicyclist and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.