EDITOR’S NOTE: To clarify a Tuesday story about the motorcycle fatality of Walter Ford, the family had contacted the coroner’s office but the coroner had not yet received the message when The Natchez Democrat interviewed him for the story. We regret the error and are happy to set the record straight.

NATCHEZ — A Natchez man died in a single-vehicle accident Sunday night when his motorcycle struck a tree on Airport Road, officials said Monday.

Walter Lavern Ford, 64, was pronounced dead at the scene after his motorcycle left the roadway while headed southbound before he struck a tree at approximately 8:50 p.m. near 176 Airport Road, said Lt. Cal Green, Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.

Adams County Coroner James Lee called the accident one of the worst he had ever witnessed.

“I’ve been doing this almost 35 years, and this is probably one of the most terrible motorcycle accidents I’ve seen,” Lee said. “My heart goes out to his family.”

Lee said to his knowledge a passing motorist spotted Ford and then dialed 911.

Lee said family had been notified.

Lee called the accident “a horrible tragedy,” though what caused the accident remained unclear as of Thursday evening.

The Adams County Coroner’s office can be reached at 601-445-7974.