EAST FELICIANA PARISH - A single vehicle crash on LA 959 claimed the life of a 16-year-old early Sunday morning, according to Louisiana State Police.

Troopers began investigating the fatal crash on LA 959 east of LA 409 in East Feliciana Parish just after 1 a.m.

The crash took the life of Caleb Copeland, 16, of Zachary, according to State Police.

Through the initial investigation, State Police determined the crash occurred as Copeland was traveling westbound on LA 959 in a 1997 GMC pickup.

Copeland then began to pass another vehicle at a high rate of speed as he entered a curve in the roadway. He failed to negotiate the curve and struck a guard rail on the east side of the roadway, State Police said.

Copeland's vehicle then became airborne and overturned as it rolled down an embankment, according to State Police.

Copeland was properly restrained but sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the East Feliciana Parish Coroner's Office.

It is unknown if impairment was a factor in the crash. A standard toxicology sample will be taken from Copeland for analysis, according to State Police.