NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) – New Orleans police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Friday morning during a funeral procession.
The victim was identified as 41-year-old Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer, of River Ridge.
Ohlmeyer was a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said the deputy was killed in a motorcycle crash on Airline Highway while escorting a funeral procession.
Ohlmeyer was pronounced dead at the scene.
A captain with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said the deputy was a 16-year law enforcement veteran. That included 14 years with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Ohlmeyer was married and had two children. His family has been notified of the fatal accident.
The driver of the other vehicle, described as a sedan, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities did not release information about that person’s condition.
Officials said the funeral procession escort was an off-duty assignment that officers volunteer for.
Fatal crash on Airline Highway in New Orleans(FOX 8)
Because the crash occurred in the city, the New Orleans Police department is leading the investigation.
Authorities said traffic investigators are collecting video, analytical data and other evidence, including drone footage and vehicle data, to reconstruct the crash.
Kirkpatrick described the incident as a difficult day for both law enforcement agencies and said they would work together to support the deputy’s family and honor his memory.
“Law enforcement is a close-knit profession, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners at JPSO. When one of our own is hurting, we all hurt. This loss is felt far beyond agency lines,” Kirkpatrick said in a statement.
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