A man chasing down his son to recover the family vehicle died in an accident.
Chief Investigator Marc Ogden said the incident occurred on April 7 when the son of 44-year-old James Preston of Picayune, took the family vehicle without asking.
Preston left on his motorcycle in an attempt to locate the family member and vehicle, but did not return. Ogden said the department received a call the next morning just before 6 from Preston’s wife, who was concerned.
Deputies attempted to locate Preston, but the lack of light at that time made it difficult. Ogden said that when the deputies went back out during the daylight, they noticed an area along F.Z Goss Road where it appeared something had left the roadway.
Further investigation found Preston and where his motorcycle had left the roadway, Ogden said. It was determined that Preston had lost control of the motorcycle as it entered a curve, leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway and possibly impacting a tree.
Ogden said Preston died from injuries sustained in the crash. Preston was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
As of Thursday, the son still has not returned with the vehicle.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Preston was chasing his son, not stepson.