A Ville Platte man lost his life early Saturday morning after his pickup truck collided with a fallen tree blocking a highway in Evangeline Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 12:25 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 106 near Liz’s Lane in the Oakdale area. Upon arrival, they discovered that the driver had sustained fatal injuries.
The victim was identified as James Woodruff III, 29, of Ville Platte.
According to the preliminary investigation, Woodruff was driving a 2002 Toyota Tundra westbound on La. 106 when he encountered a fallen tree that was obstructing both lanes of the highway. Investigators said the vehicle struck the tree, and the impact resulted in fatal injuries. Woodruff was pronounced dead at the scene.
State Police have not released any additional information regarding weather or road conditions at the time of the crash. As part of standard investigative procedure, toxicology samples were collected from the driver and submitted for laboratory analysis. The results will be reviewed as investigators work to determine all factors that may have contributed to the crash.
The incident remains under active investigation, and authorities have not announced whether any additional details will be released.
Louisiana State Police continue to remind motorists to remain alert while traveling, particularly during nighttime hours when hazards such as fallen trees, debris, or other roadway obstructions may be more difficult to see. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact investigators as the case remains ongoing.
