PRAIRIEVILLE - Louisiana State Police charged a Gonzales man with negligent homicide in the death of a Prairieville teen while the boy was riding his bike in Ascension Parish overnight.

Troopers said 26-year-old Joshua Ashford faces both negligent homicide and speeding charges after the wreck which killed 14-year-old Brennan Rube.

Investigators said Rube was riding south on LA 73 near US 61 before 6 p.m. Wednesday when Ashford approached him from behind in his pickup. Troopers said as Ashford passed Rube he hit the bicycle's rear tire, throwing Rube off the bike.

Troopers said Rube was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner's Office. State Police said he was not wearing a helmet, had on dark clothing, and did not have required lights on the front or back of his bicycle. State Police said Ashford was properly restrained but was going over the 45 mile per hour limit at the time of the wreck.

Superintendent Patrice Pujol with Ascension Public Schools said Rube was a student at Dutchtown High School. She said counselors were brought in Thursday to talk with students and staff who were affected by his death.

LSP said state law requires drivers to give a minimum distance of three feet when passing a bicycle, and that cyclists should stay as close as possible to the right side of the road.