A single vehicle crash claimed the life of a DeRidder man Tuesday morning. Patrick W. Brister, 28, of DeRidder, Louisiana, was traveling south on Parish Line Road in Beauregard Parish when his 1997 Ford Mustang ran off the road and struck a tree. Brister was transported to Beauregard Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to investigators, seat belts were not used. Excessive speed and alcohol impairment are suspected factors in the crash. A toxicology sample has been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory for analysis.

A passenger is believed to have also been involved in the crash but fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Anyone with information on this person is asked to call Louisiana State Police Troop D at (337) 491-2511.

This is the third fatality crash investigated by Louisiana State Police Troop D this year.

Louisiana state law requires everyone in a vehicle to wear seat belts. Statistics show your chances of surviving a crash are much better if you are properly restrained. Please remember to always “buckle up” and don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.