Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 174 that killed a man from Arkansas late Wednesday night.

According to Louisiana State Police Troop E, the crash occurred on January 14, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 174. Troopers say the incident involved a 2006 Toyota 4-Runner driven by 50-year-old Patrick T. Funderburk of Conway, Arkansas.

Initial Findings From State Police

The preliminary investigation shows that the Toyota 4-Runner was traveling westbound on LA 174 when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. After leaving the travel lane, the SUV went down the ditch embankment and overturned.

Following the impact, the vehicle became engulfed in flames.

Funderburk, whose seat belt use is listed as unknown, sustained fatal injuries in the incident and was pronounced dead. No other vehicles or people were reported to be involved.

Toxicology Testing Underway

As is standard procedure in fatal roadway incidents, troopers obtained a routine toxicology sample from Funderburk. Louisiana State Police say the sample has been submitted for analysis. Toxicology testing is used to determine whether alcohol, drugs, or other substances were present in a driver’s system at the time of a crash, though no conclusions can be drawn until those results are returned.

Authorities have not released any additional details about possible contributing factors such as speed, roadway conditions, or weather. The incident remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop E.