State Police says that impairment, speed and lack of seat belt use are suspected as reasons for a crash just after midnight on Highway 339 near Reno Road in Vermilion Parish.

Trooper Brooks David says that 31-year-old Martin Nguyen of Lafayette was speeding southbound on Highway 339 when he failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway.

His passenger, 31-year-old Hoang Nguyen of Lake Charles did not have on his seat belt, and he was partially ejected from the car.

Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene by the Vermilion Parish Coroner's Officer.

The driver, Martin Nguyen, was wearing his seat belt, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

David says impairment and speeding are suspected factors in the crash. He says toxicology samples are being sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

David says the investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.

More From 97.3 The Dawg