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On Tuesday, shortly after 6:30 a.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a multi-vehicle, fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 21 North at Poole’s Bluff Road in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of Wade J. Gilson, 47, of Odessa, Texas.

LSP Trooper David Levy said that the initial investigation led troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Gilson was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Highway 21 in the left lane. At the same time, a Nissan Altima, driven by Alexandra C. Dunaway, 22, of Bogalusa, was attempting a left turn off Poole’s Bluff Road onto Highway 21, disregarding a stop sign, Levy said.

“Upon the Altima entering Highway 21, Gilson’s motorcycle struck the left side of the Altima,” Levy said. “After this impact, Gilson was then struck in the roadway by a Honda Accord traveling northbound on Highway 21.”

Levy said that Gilson received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Dunaway was wearing a seat belt and was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the Honda Accord was also wearing a seatbelt and uninjured, Levy said.

At this time, impairment is not suspected. As part of the crash investigation, a blood sample was collected for scientific analysis from Gilson and Dunaway. Levy said that the driver of the Accord submitted a breath sample that showed no evidence of alcohol.

Dunaway was issued a citation for L.R.S. 32:123B (Disregarding a Stop Sign).

The investigation remains ongoing and any additional criminal charges will be forwarded to the Washington Parish District Attorney’s Office. No additional information is available at this time, Levy said.