Marthaville, LA (9/23/2024) – A tractor accident has claimed the life of a Marthaville man, as reported by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024, around 2:54 p.m.
Natchitoches Parish deputies responded to a 911 report of a farm tractor accident along La. Hwy 120 near Marthaville. A firefighter from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #7 made the 911 call. He had noticed a Kubota tractor parked oddly off the highway.
Upon approaching, he found 53-year-old Charles William Cruse with apparent fatal injuries. Deputies arrived soon after and confirmed Cruse’s death. Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton later pronounced him dead at the scene.
The preliminary investigation revealed Cruse was driving a tractor near a private driveway on his property. While operating the tractor, a low-hanging pine tree limb struck him. The impact lifted Cruse from the seat, pinning him against the Rollover Protection System (ROPS) bar, leading to his fatal injuries.
Routine toxicology samples were collected as part of the investigation. The tractor accident that claimed the life of the Marthaville man has left the local community mourning. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to the Cruse family.
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