MONTICELLO — A Walthall County man was killed while travelingnorth on Bismarck Road Saturday afternoon when his car left theroad and struck a tree.

Lance Aldrige Burnette, 34, was killed when he lost control ofhis vehicle in a curve, spun and struck a tree backwards, accordingto Medical Examiner Dr. Joe Ward.

Based on evidence at the scene and an account of the accidentprovided by a witness, Ward said, “the sheriff’s office hasconcluded that speed on the wet road was probably a factor.”

Ward said the cause of death appeared to be a head injury.

He complimented the Topeka First Responders, who assisted at thescene.

“The Topeka First Responders did a crackerjack job out there,”Ward said. “It was really a good response.”

Wilson Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements, which areincomplete.