ETX man dies when pickup wrecks on I-49 in Natchitoches

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA (KSLA) - Authorities have identified the man killed in a one-vehicle wreck in Natchitoches Parish.

He is 72-year-old Michael C. Cope, of Marshall, Texas, according to Louisiana State Police.

The wreck occurred about about 10:30 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 49 north of Louisiana Highway 174, which is near the communities of Ajax and Lake End.

Cope was driving a 2002 GMC pickup north on I-49 when he lost control of the truck, Master Trooper Daniel "Scott" Moreau said.

The pickup left the right side of the road, went through a ditch and collided with a tree.

Cope, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Louisiana State Police Troop E has investigated 21 fatal crashes this year, each of which has resulted in a death.

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