Tractor accident claims life of Marthaville man

A farm tractor collision has claimed the life of a Marthaville man on Sept. 22 around 2:54 pm, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a farm tractor accident with possible fatal injuries in the 9900 block of La. Hwy 120 near Marthaville. The 911 caller, a member of Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #7 reportedly observed a Kubota farm tractor sitting oddly in an area off of La. Hwy 120. When the fireman exited his vehicle and went to check further he observed a male suffering from apparent fatal injuries on the tractor. Deputies arrived on scene, discovering a male, identified as 53-year-old Charles William Cruse, of Marthaville suffering from apparent fatal injuries. Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton responded and pronounced Cruse dead on the scene.Deputies say the preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Cruse was operating a Kubota farm tractor near a private driveway on his property. While operating the tractor, Cruse apparently drove under a lowing lying pine tree limb that impacted him in the driver's seat. This action caused the limb to lift Cruse out of the driver's compartment and pin him against the ROPS (Rollover Protection System Bar) causing fatal injuries. Routine Toxicology Samples were taken for analysis.