NATCHEZ — A City of Natchez employee died in a vehicle accident Saturday morning on Old U.S. 84 near Hobo Forks Road.

Natchez Transit System (NTS) Executive Director Sabrena Bartley said NTS Transportation Supervisor Jerry Richardson was on his way to the office when the wreck occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Courtney Taylor said Richardson reportedly lost control of the NTS van and veered into oncoming traffic.

The driver then collided with the 18-wheeler, Taylor said. The driver of the 18-wheeler was unharmed.

“It could have been caused by a heart attack, a stroke. We’re not sure at this time,” Taylor said.

When deputies arrived, Taylor said the van was in flames and the victim was badly burned. The Natchez Fire Department also responded to the call. Batallion Chief Leland Rymer said no one else was in the van.

Adams County Coroner James Lee confirmed one fatality but said he could not identify the victim.

“The man who was apparently involved in the accident was burned in the vehicle and we’re doing an autopsy to confirm his identity as well as the cause of death,” Lee said.

Bartley asked that community members keep Richardson’s family in their prayers.

“For those persons of faith, we just ask that they would lift the family of Jerry Richardson and the transportation community up in prayer for strength at this difficult time,” Bartley said.