Winn Parish – A single vehicle crash killed a man from Natchitoches and injured a man from St. Maurice Jan. 14. Neither men were wearing a seat belt.

Troopers responded to the crash around 2:40 p.m., which occurred on US Hwy 71 north of Montgomery. The crash involved a 1998 Ford Explorer, driven by Michael L. McKinney (B/M 41 yrs) of St. Maurice. The Ford was northbound on US Hwy 71 when McKinney lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle collided with several trees.

McKinney received moderate injuries and was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center. His only passenger, identified as Brandon L. Banks (27 yrs), was pronounced dead at the scene.

Routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Not wearing a seat belt remains the leading cause of death in motor vehicle crashes.

Troop E Troopers have investigated two fatal crashes in 2017, resulting in two fatalities.