St. Bernard Resident Dies in Motor Vehicle Crash

Early Monday morning, at approximately 2:30 am, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a fatal crash on LA 300 near Russell Place. Wayne Melerine Jr. (age 37) of St. Bernard Parish died during the crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Melerine was traveling north on LA 300 in a 2013 GMC Truck. For reasons still under investigation, the truck ran off the road to the right and struck a tree.

Speed and impairment are not considered factors of the crash. Melerine was pronounced dead on the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt and toxicology tests are pending an autopsy.

The crash remains under investigation.

Troopers would like to remind motorists that seat belt usage is required by Louisiana law for all occupants of a vehicle. The primary purpose of a seat belt is to keep the occupant in the seating position preventing ejection. A seat belt also protects the internal organs, brain and spinal cord.

Motorists that witness hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.