Authorities are investigating a fatal accident that happened early Wednesday morning in Gum Branch. Georgia State Patrol Trooper Robert Balkcom said a man, identified as Robert L. Perry, 45, of Hinesville, was traveling westbound on Highway 196 near Wells Road shortly after 3:30 a.m. when he struck a culvert and lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado. The truck flipped, and Perry was ejected.