HAHNVILLE — Speed was a factor in a fatal crash this week that claimed the life of a St. Charles Parish man, police said.

Shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigators said Chaquen Johnson of Hahnville was driving a Chevrolet Impala north on Louisiana 3160, approaching Louisiana 18.

For unknown reasons, authorities said, the Impala traveled across Louisiana 18 at a high rate of speed, then traveled over the levee, into a ditch and became airborne.

The vehicle flipped several times, partially ejecting Johnson, 47, who was pronounced dead on the scene. Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt, State Police said, adding speed is a suspected crash factor. Impairment is not suspected; however, toxicology testing was performed during an autopsy.