Man Who Rode Skateboard Down I-210 Bridge Dies

(KMDL-FM) They call it the "dash". It's the simple horizontal line that appears on your tombstone between the date you were born and the date you died. Many great philosophers have spoken on the "dash"  and how it is a simple yet very poignant symbol. A symbol that begs this question: "What did you do in your life that mattered?"

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Well, for one Lake Charles native, what he did might not have ranked highly on the "mattered" scale, but it sure ranks near the top in South Louisiana folklore. You see, the man we are speaking of is Gregory Demarie.

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Did a Man Really Ride a Skateboard Down the I-210 Bridge in Lake Charles?

Back in 1971, Gregory Demarie was just an average teenager in the Lake Charles area. He attended classes at LaGrange High School back then, and he must have had a passion for skateboarding, too.

Because back in 1971, Gregory's passion for skateboarding and a whole new expanse of freshly paved roadway, he got together to make epic history in the Lake Area. You've all heard about the "guy who rode a skateboard down the I-210 bridge"; well, that's Gregory.

The remarkable feat earned Gregory the nickname "Flash". We are sad to report that this past Wednesday evening, the Flash, Gregory Demarie, passed away. Gregory was 71 at the time of his passing.

Why Did a Man Ride a Skateboard Down the I-210 Bridge in Lake Charles?

According to the local lore, Demarie did the skateboard ride down the bridge on a dare. It's the kind of thing that you do when you're 17. Others have attempted to recreate the feat, but a recent attempt in 2019 ended in arrest for a Sulphur man.

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Gregory Demarie will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his love of pool, his keen wit and unique ability to tell stories, and, of course, those he left behind. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and their two pets. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home tomorrow. Graveside services are set for Wednesday afternoon.

I wonder what daredevil will be the first to attempt a similar ride down the face of the new Lake Charles I-10 bridge when that is finally built. Unfortunately, I don't think a lot of us who remember Greg's big ride in 1971 will be around when that happens.