Staff report

A driver was killed Wednesday morning when his Nissan passenger vehicle, headed east on SH73, struck a guardrail and plunged into the Needmore Canal, west of Labelle Road.

A state Department of Public Safety statement said the accident occurred at 7 a.m. and involved the lone vehicle and driver, described only as 28 years old.

Justice of the Peace Ray Chesson pronounced the victim dead at the scene. His ID listed a Florida address and DPS Troopers were trying to notify next of kin.

The outside traffic lane of SH 73 was closed. Motorists should expect delays.

This investigation was in the preliminary stages.