GRANT PARISH, La. (WNTZ) – A Woodworth man died early Sunday after a vehicular collision on U.S. Highway 165 in Grant Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.

Troop E said the incident happened around 2:45 a.m. Sept. 14 north of Louisiana Highway 524. Investigators said a 2020 Freightliner driven by 54-year-old Derrick L. Mason was traveling south when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle.

The truck left the roadway, struck several trees and overturned. Mason, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Routine toxicology samples were taken for analysis.

State police reminded drivers that distracted and inattentive driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes in Louisiana. Troopers urged motorists to stay alert and attentive, noting that even brief lapses in awareness can have deadly consequences.