Executive Summary
- Deputy Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer, 41, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Airline Highway.
- The incident occurred Friday morning while the deputy was escorting a funeral procession.
- The New Orleans Police Department is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
- Ohlmeyer was a 16-year law enforcement veteran and is survived by a wife and two children.
A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed Friday morning in New Orleans when his motorcycle was struck by a sedan while he was escorting a funeral procession on Airline Highway. The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer of River Ridge, a 16-year veteran of law enforcement.
According to New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, Deputy Ohlmeyer was conducting an off-duty motorcycle escort for a funeral when the collision occurred. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the sedan involved in the crash was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment; authorities have not released details regarding their condition.
A captain with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) confirmed that Ohlmeyer had served with their agency for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and two children. Chief Kirkpatrick expressed condolences in a formal statement, noting the deep impact of the loss on the law enforcement community. “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,” Kirkpatrick stated.
Investigative Outlook
Because the fatal incident occurred within city limits, the New Orleans Police Department is leading the comprehensive investigation. Traffic investigators are currently utilizing drone footage, video evidence, and analytical vehicle data to reconstruct the crash sequence. While the investigation focuses on the mechanics of the collision on Airline Highway, the incident highlights the inherent risks associated with motorcycle escorts in high-traffic corridors. Authorities are continuing to process evidence to determine the precise cause of the collision.
