Man killed in weekend wreck in rural Louisiana

Correction: The following story incorrectly stated where the victim was from. The victim was from Natchez, Louisiana. The story is corrected below.

A Natchez man died in a weekend car wreck in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.

Officials with the Louisiana State Police report that Chadwick J. Nelson II, of Natchez, Louisiana, died in a one-vehicle crash at approximately 12:30p.m on Sunday.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the crash on Louisiana Highway 484.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Nelson, was westbound on the highway. For reasons still under investigation, Nelson’s vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment, and struck a large tree.

Nelson, who was not restrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

This crash remains under investigation. Nelson later died from his injuries.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can significantly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death, Louisiana State Police officials said.

In 2024, Troop E Troopers investigated 35 fatal crashes, resulting in 39 fatalities.