An early morning wreck on Hwy. 55 claimed the life of a Niceville, Fla., man today, Mon., July 12, 2010.

Chad William Averitte, 21, of Niceville, Fla., was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial investigation indicates that Averitte was traveling south on Alabama Highway 55 when his 2002 Isuzu Rodeo left the roadway, overturned and partially ejected him.

Passengers Grace Reese, 20, of Niceville, FL, Jarred Robinson, 22, of Niceville, FL and Shana Clark, 23, of Atlanta, Ga., were transported to Andalusia Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash occurred one mile south of Red Level in Covington County. The circumstances surrounding the crash continue to be investigated by the Alabama State Troopers.