TUPELO (AP) — A Mississippi state trooper is dead following a pursuit in the northeastern part of the state.

Authorities say Master Sgt. Steve Hood's car left the highway late Friday and hit a tree near the Crossroads Military Park. The Highway Safety Patrol says it doesn't know why Hood was involved in the chase — but the other vehicle has been located.

The crash occurred near the border of Lee County and Prentiss County.

Hood had been a trooper since 1982.