DPS: Man dies after veering off US 69 in Rusk, ejected from vehicle

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) — One person is dead after striking a tree and being ejected from the vehicle on Thursday evening in Rusk, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

According to a release, Derek James Burns, 36 of Rusk, was traveling south on US 69 at around 8:25 p.m. “when for unknown reasons traveled off the east side of the road.”

Officials said Burns overcorrected and lost control of his vehicle, traveling off the west side of the road. DPS said that Burns, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle after it struck a tree.

Burn was pronounced dead at the scene by a justice of the peace, officials said.

DPS said the investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.

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