Ashland, LA (7/19/2023) – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) Deputies and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office are investigating an early morning single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of an Ashland man, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
This morning, July 19, 2023, at approximately 4:57 am, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, NPSO Rescue, and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection Districts #8 and #9 responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 153 near Chester Warren Road within the City Limits of Ashland, La.
Deputies arrived on the scene, finding the vehicle’s sole occupant deceased.
The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
Deputies say 39-year-old Justin R. Lee of Ashland operated a 1994 GMC pickup truck traveling northbound on La. Hwy 153 near Chester Warren Road, when for reasons under investigation, apparently exited the road on the left side. The vehicle then continued to travel off of the road approximately 200 feet into a tree line striking several trees coming to a rest.
This resulted in Lee sustaining fatal injuries.
Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton pronounced Lee dead at the scene.
Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis.
Deputies say while not all crashes may be survivable, wearing your seat belt greatly reduces the chances of significant injury or death in traffic crashes.
The investigation is ongoing.
Cpl. Cody Olliff is investigating the crash with assistance from the Coroner’s Office.
Lee was reportedly an active Natchitoches Parish Protection District #8 member in north Natchitoches Parish.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathy to the Lee family and friends.
