A tragic motorcycle crash claimed the lives of two people Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, on W. Thomas Street at Chanell Shopping Center in Hammond, according to the Hammond Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to the area at approximately 6:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a motorcycle crash involving injuries. When emergency responders arrived, they found a devastating scene involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
Family and loved ones later identified the victims as Kaleb Bishop and Brittany Novak.
During the preliminary investigation, Hammond Police determined that the driver of the motorcycle was improperly passing and struck another vehicle in the intersection while traveling at a high rate of speed. The force of the collision caused both riders to be ejected from the motorcycle. They landed outside the roadway, while the motorcycle came to rest several feet away in a grassy area.
Both riders suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was not injured.
Authorities said impairment is not suspected as a contributing factor in the collision. However, as part of the standard procedure for all fatal crashes, a blood sample will be collected and submitted to the Louisiana State Crime Lab for analysis.
The Hammond Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash as officials work to determine all factors that led to the deadly collision.
The sudden loss of Kaleb Bishop and Brittany Novak has left their families, friends, and loved ones devastated. Their deaths have brought grief to those who knew them and created a painful reminder of how quickly life can change.
As the investigation continues, the thoughts of the community remain with the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy as they mourn the loss of two lives taken far too soon.
