Around 2:30 a.m. today, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a single car accident in the 3500 block of Gum Island Rd. in Vinton.  The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the car, Charles L. Bird, IV, 21, 7423 Driftwood Rd., Sulphur, appeared to be heading westbound at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the car.  The car traveled across the road and ended up in a ditch on the south side of  the  roadway, hitting a fence and several trees.

The passenger, Cole J. Simon, 20, 2416 Mary Ann Dr., Sulphur, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Bird was airlifted to a local hospital where he remains in serious condition.

The preliminary investigation reveals both men appeared to be wearing their seatbelts at the time of accident.  As mandated by state law in all traffic fatalities, a toxicology report will be performed on Bird to determine if alcohol is a factor.

The investigation is continuing with possible charges pending.

CPSO Sr. Cpl. Chris Ramos is the investigating deputy.