ST. MARY- Last night, Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a single vehicle fatal crash on LA Highway 87 near Websterville which claimed the life of a New Iberia man.

According to investigating Troopers, on August 29, 2012, at 6:45 p.m., 57-year-old Eugene Denlinger of New Iberia, was driving a 2012 Nissan Altima south on LA Highway 87. For reasons still under investigation, Denlinger traveled off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, overturned then struck a second culvert. Denlinger was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner.

It is unknown if Denlinger was impaired; however, toxicology samples were obtained and will be analyzed by the Coroner Office. The results of the analysis are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers remind drivers that Louisiana State Law requires all occupants of motor vehicles to be properly restrained. While wearing a seat belt will not save you in every crash, it will greatly reduce your risk of injury in most crashes.