RIDGECREST — A Ferriday man was airlifted to Rapides Regional Medical Center late Tuesday night after being struck by a car on U.S. 65.

Derrick Butler, 35, was walking northbound in the right lane of U.S. 65 in front of Ridgecrest when a 1996 Toyota Camry driven by Natchez resident Leroy Strickland, struck him, according to a Louisiana State Police press release.

Butler was seriously injured by the incident and was transported to Riverland Medical Center before being airlifted to Rapides Regional Trauma Center.

The accident happened around 11:00 p.m.

Concordia Fire District No. 2 Fire Chief Nolen Cothren said Butler was wearing dark-colored clothes, which made Butler difficult to see.

Routine toxicology tests are pending.