NEW ORLEANS — One person was killed and another was arrested after a crash on the Crescent City Connection Friday morning.
Louisiana State Police said the crash claimed the life of 48-year-old Mark Deane of Gretna. State police arrested Alberto Martinez-Sanchez, 29, of Gretna for negligent homicide and other traffic-related charges, the release said.
Deane was a WGNO sports producer "and a beloved member of our team and will be sorely missed," WGNO said in a statement. "This is a true tragedy and we ask for your prayers for Mark, his friends, family and co-workers."
The accident happened around 7:30 a.m. when Deane was driving a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound. At the same time, Martinez-Sanchez was driving a 2000 Toyota Camry, following behind the motorcycle.
LSP said the "Toyota struck the rear of the Yamaha, causing Deane and the Yamaha to become airborne. The Toyota then collided with the rear of a 2023 Nissan Rogue," the release said.
Deane was wearing a DOT-approved helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez-Sanchez was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.
The driver of the Nissan was also wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.
State police said impairment was not suspected, but toxicology samples were submitted for analysis.
Initial reports said the accident involved a motorcycle that got lodged under a vehicle, according to Total Traffic New Orleans.
Martinez-Sanchez (booking photo below) was booked into the Orleans Parish Lockup.
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All lanes reopened following the accident.
NOPD Chief Ann Kirkpatrick shared her condolences.
The New Orleans Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mark Deane, a respected sports producer at WGNO, who passed away this morning in a traffic fatality. Mark was not just a colleague to many in our media community, but a friend whose passion and dedication to his work left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Mark’s family, friends, and the entire WGNO team during this difficult time.
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