WGNO sports producer killed in New Orleans crash

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Mark Deane, one of WGNO’s longtime sports producers, was tragically killed on Friday morning at the age of 48 after being hit in a New Orleans crash.

According to the Louisiana State Police, just after 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, troopers with LSP Troop B responded to the multi-vehicle crash, which occurred on the Crescent City Connection bridge.

Family, friends bid last farewell to Ed Daniels

The preliminary investigation reportedly showed that Deane was driving a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on the bridge when a 2000 Toyota Camry, driven by 29-year-old Alberto Martinez-Sanchez, of Gretna, struck the back of the motorcycle, causing Deane and the Yamaha to become airborne. The Camry then hit the back of a 2023 Nissan Rogue.

Deane was wearing a helmet at the time, but was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez-Sanchez was properly retrained and wasn’t injured. The driver of the Nissan was also properly restrained and uninjured.

Impairment isn’t suspected in this case, but standard toxicology samples were still taken and submitted to be analyzed.

Martinez-Sanchez has been arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Lockup on negligent homicide and other traffic-related charges.

7-year-old struck, killed by school bus in Terrebonne Parish

“The New Orleans Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mark Deane, a respected sports producer at WGNO, who passed away this morning in a traffic fatality,” said New Orleans Police Department Superintendent of Police Anne Kirkpatrick. “Mark was not just a colleague to many in our media community, but a friend whose passion and dedication to his work left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Mark’s family, friends and the entire WGNO team during this difficult time.”

Deane’s loss is mourned by the entire WGNO family, and comes as an especially crushing blow as it follows the recent loss of WGNO’s legendary Sportscaster Ed Daniels.

The crash remains under investigation.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.