SLIDELL -- A man was killed when a car ran off Interstate 12 during a heavy rain and hit a tree near here early Tuesday.

The crash happed about 3 a.m. about a half mile east of the Northshore Blvd./Airport Road exit.

State Police said an unrestrained rear passenger was killed and the driver and another passenger were injured.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2004 Lincoln LS, driven by 32-year-old Cassidy Thompson of Amite man, was traveling east in the left lane of the interstate.

Thompson failed to maintain control of the vehicle, causing it to rotate in a clockwise direction as it ran off road to the south side of the highway.

Upon leaving the paved roadway, the Lincoln struck a large tree on its rear end coming to rest off road facing west.

Thompson and front seat passenger, 39-year-old Monoletho Walker of Amite, received minor injuries.

The rear seat passenger, 39-year-old Jader Givines of Hammond, was killed.

Driver impairment is not suspected to be a factor.

Upon being treated for his injuries, Thompson was transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail and booked on charges of careless operation, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, and negligent homicide.