Tragedy in Jena

An early morning tragedy sent shockwaves and mourning in Jena today as a local Jena resident lost his life in a vehicle fire.

LaSalle Parish Sheriff Lane Windham said that preliminary investigations reveal that Drew McClure, 24, of Jena, lost his life this morning in a tragic vehicle fire.

“We received a call this morning around 5 a.m. of a vehicle fire at a residence in Jena,” the Sheriff said. “Officers responded, along with the Jena Fire Department, who put out the fire. Upon examining the vehicle after the fire was out, a body was discovered inside.”

The body was identified as Andrew C. “Drew” McClure and he was pronounced dead by the LaSalle Parish Coroner’s Office.

The sheriff’s office then contacted the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and they took over the investigation.

Windham said the initial investigation does not reveal any foul play but the Fire Marshal’s Office would release their investigation into the fire at a later date.

“This is just a tragedy that occurred and our prayers are with the family during this heartbreaking time,” Windham said. “I encourage our residents to pray for this family and refrain from posting any false or speculative information on social media.”