Local Daredevil Who Skateboarded I-210 Bridge Dies at 71

Greg Demarie, known as 'Flash', performed the unbelievable stunt multiple times in 1971.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a skateboard wheel repeated in a grid, rendered in vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the iconic image of Greg Demarie's legendary bridge stunt.The daring 1971 skateboard stunt that made Greg Demarie a local legend in Southwest Louisiana.Lake Charles Today

Greg Demarie, a local legend in Southwest Louisiana known for his daring 1971 skateboard ride down the steep I-210 bridge, has passed away at the age of 71. Demarie, who was just 17 years old at the time, reached speeds over 50 mph during the heart-pounding 57-second descent, and even repeated the stunt multiple times that day, cementing his place in local folklore.

Why it matters

Demarie's incredible feat on the I-210 bridge has been talked about for generations in the Lake Charles area, symbolizing a different, more carefree era. His passing is a poignant reminder of the bold, adventurous spirit that once defined the community.

The details

In the summer of 1971, Demarie, then 17 years old, accepted a dare to skateboard down the massive I-210 bridge in Lake Charles, which stands over 140 feet tall and spans 1.6 miles. Early one Sunday morning, Demarie raced down the steep incline, reaching speeds over 50 mph in under a minute. After completing the first run, he turned around and did the opposite side, repeating the stunt multiple times that day.

  • On a Sunday morning in the summer of 1971, Demarie performed the skateboard stunt.
  • Demarie passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 71.

The players

Greg Demarie

A local legend in Southwest Louisiana known for his daring 1971 skateboard ride down the steep I-210 bridge, which he completed multiple times at speeds over 50 mph.

Gary Shannon

An iconic local voice in Southwest Louisiana who interviewed Demarie about his legendary bridge stunt 11 years ago.

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What they’re saying

“It's a reminder of a different time, and of one young man who turned an ordinary bridge into a legend.”

— Gary Shannon, Local Broadcaster

The takeaway

Demarie's incredible feat on the I-210 bridge has become a symbol of the bold, adventurous spirit that once defined the Lake Charles community. His passing is a poignant reminder of a bygone era, and the lasting impact that one person's daring actions can have on a local culture.