James Arnold, 39, was steering a van being pulled by a pick-up truck when the rope broke and the van veered into the path of an 18-wheeler.
Investigators said Arnold was ejected in the collision and died at the scene.
The 18-wheeler, driven by William Reed, 53, overturned on La. 13 north of Mamou and burned.
Reed suffered minor injuries.
Wilbert Fontenot, 48, driver of the pickup, was not injured.
A Troop I spokesman said investigation continues and charges are pending.

