The NOPD is investigating a traffic fatality that claimed the life of one adult male Monday night (Dec. 21) in the Sixth District.

At or around 8:41 p.m., Sixth District officers responded to reports of a traffic accident on I-10 East and Poydras Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim on the lower portion of the roadway at Poydras Street. The victim was pronounced dead on scene by EMS.

During the investigation, officers determined that the victim was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the rear of a red Dodge pickup truck. Signs indicate that the victim exited his vehicle, when for reasons unknown, went over the guardrail and landed on Poydras Street, where he died.

The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death and release the victim’s name, upon completion of an autopsy and notification of family.

Traffic Fatality Detective Richard Chambers is leading the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6205 with any information regarding this incident. Citizens with information that can help solve a crime are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.