A 26-year-old man was killed early Sunday morning when his truck crashed on Ky. 49 near Lebanon, Kentucky State Police said.

Troopers identified the victim as Joseph Raikes of Loretto in Marion County.

According to the state police post at Columbia, Raikes was driving a 2006 Dodge truck on Ky. 49 about 1 a.m. Sunday, when he apparently lost control about five miles north of Lebanon.

Troopers said Raikes' truck apparently dropped off the shoulder of the highway, left the road and plunged over an earth embankment.

Raikes was not using a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle, state police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Marion County coroner.

The crash remains under investigation.

Jim Warren: (859) 231-3255.