By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

RESERVE – A St. James Parish man suffered fatal injuries in a one-car accident in Reserve Saturday evening, according to a release from State Police Troop B.

Albert Smith III, 44, of St. James, was pronounced dead on the scene of the crash, which occurred at about 6:40 p.m. on Louisiana 53, or Central Avenue, said Trooper Melissa Matety, a State Police spokesperson. Matey said Smith was the only occupant of the vehicle involved.

According to the release, Smith was traveling south on Central Avenue at a high rate of speed in a 2004 GMC Envoy. For unknown reasons, Smith veered off the road to the right and struck a brick wall at 727 Central Ave., about a half-block from Airline Highway. The Envoy rolled over and came to rest on its roof.

Matey said Smith was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. She said investigators have determined that speed and alcohol are likely factors in the accident. Results of a toxicology report are pending.