<p class="p1">CALCASIEU PARISH — A Lake Charles man is dead following a single-vehicle crash about two miles from Vinton.</p><p class="p4">On April 17, 2018, shortly after noon, Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 108 near Gray Road in western Calcasieu Parish.   The preliminary investigation revealed a delivery truck was traveling west in a curve on LA 108 when the truck traveled off the right side of the road and struck a ditch and trees. </p><p class="p4">The driver, 30-year-old Shawn Patrick Conner of Lake Charles, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck.  Conner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office.  Evidence at the scene indicates he would have likely survived had he been wearing a seat belt. </p><p class="p4">A routine toxicology sample was obtained from Conner and will be submitted for analysis.  Tire failure is suspected to be a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.</p><p class="p4">Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves in the event of a crash.  Unfortunately, some people don’t get this message until it’s too late.  Motorists are encouraged to make the smart choice and to always wear a seat belt in all seating positions, day or night.</p><p class="p4">Troop D has investigated 8 fatal crashes resulting in 8 deaths in 2018.  </p>