WISNER, La. — A Wisner man was killed in a car crash early this morning on Louisiana 913 in Catahoula Parish.

Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau said Joe S. Graves III, 31, was speeding when he lost control of the 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck he was driving and hit a large tree.

Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 4:50 a.m.

Moreau said Graves was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Moreau said state police would like to remind motorists that properly wearing a seat belt will dramatically reduce the chance of being injured or killed in a crash.

Moreau also said speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation.

Louisiana Troop E troopers have investigated 28 fatal crashes this year, resulting in 33 fatalities.