LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Saturday afternoon on Highway 53.

Sgt. Ryan Peterson said that at 1:50 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Clearlake Police Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision that had occurred on Highway 53 near Olympic Drive.

When the officers arrived, they found an early 2000s Chrysler PT Cruiser had crashed into a tree with major damage, Peterson said.

Peterson said the officers located a single person at the scene – believed to have been the driver – who had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

Medical staff from the Lake County Fire Protection District arrived on scene and evaluated the male, who is believed to be in his 60s. Peterson said the man had significant injuries which he succumbed to at the scene, and he was pronounced dead by medical staff.

The identity of the driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, Peterson said.

Peterson said the preliminary indications of the traffic collision are that the driver was traveling northbound on Highway 53 and drifted off the roadway. After drifting off the road, the vehicle hit the tree causing significant vehicle damage and injuries to the male.

Radio reports at the time of the incident also reported that a small fire was started by the crash.

This case is pending further investigation and review for final determination and cause, Peterson said.

Peterson offered an additional reminder to drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant while on the roadways.

With the days being shorter and the weather changes, drivers are encouraged to be extra careful of their safety and that of others, he said.

Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact Officer Mauricio Barreto at 707-994-8251, Extension 507.