A Tellico Plains man became Monroe County's first traffic fatality of 2013 when he was killed in a head-on traffic collision Saturday night.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the crash was reported at 6:32 p.m. on the 500 block of Fairview Road outside of Tellico Plains.

James R. Cheek, 36, Tellico Plains, was traveling east behind the wheel of a 1996 Toyota Camry when he crossed the centerline as he exited a curve, THP reported.

The driver of an oncoming 2012 Ford F250 pickup, William A. Roach, 62, also of Tellico Plains, attempted to avoid the Camry but was unable to do so as Cheek continued to drift into the westbound lane.

Cheek was killed in the crash while Roach was reported to have not been injured.

Cheek was not wearing a seat belt. Investigating Trooper Cory Russell said a seat belt would have made a difference.

It was unknown whether Cheek was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, although standard blood tests were requested.

No criminal charges have been filed in the crash.