ST. AMANT - State Police said they believe a motorcycle operator was impaired before he crashed into a mailbox and was thrown from his bike overnight in Ascension Parish.

Troopers said 43-year-old John Carrizal of Decatur, Ala. died at the scene of the wreck around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Investigators said Carrizal was driving west on LA 22 near the intersection of LA 937 when he ran off the road and hit a mailbox. The impact caused Carrizal to lose control, and LSP said he was thrown from his bike.

State Police said Carrizal wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck.

Troopers said a toxicology sample will be sent to the State Police Crime Lab for testing.