Grayson, Louisiana – A 56-year-old man was killed early Wednesday in a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 4 just east of Louisiana Highway 850, according to Louisiana State Police Troop F.
State Police identified the driver as Melvin McKee Jr., 56. Troopers say the fatal incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.
Initial Findings From State Police
According to the preliminary investigation, McKee was driving a 2023 Ford F-150 eastbound on Louisiana Highway 4. For reasons troopers say are still under investigation, the pickup traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.
The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported.
Driver Was Not Wearing A Seat Belt
Louisiana State Police reported that McKee was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators often highlight seat belt use as a major factor in survivability during roadway incidents. While troopers did not speculate on whether a seat belt would have changed the outcome in this specific case, they noted in their report that McKee was not wearing one.
Impairment Not Suspected, Toxicology Pending
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F stated that impairment is not suspected in this crash. However, in line with standard investigative practice, routine toxicology samples were collected from the driver. These samples will be submitted to a state lab for analysis.
Toxicology testing is a typical step in fatal crash investigations, even when there is no immediate evidence of alcohol or drug involvement. The results can help investigators complete their official report and rule in or rule out contributing factors.