Ortega Highway Crash Leaves One Dead

for story update.

It is unclear why a why a black Toyota 4runner driven by a 41-year-man careened off the side of the Ortega Highway Monday morning.

The crash, which was reported at 11:08 a.m. approximately a quarter mile west of the Lookout Roadhouse, killed the driver, whose identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

No passengers were in the vehicle.

According to witnesses, the man was traveling eastbound and drove directly into the westbound lane and over the highway's edge without braking.

"We're not sure if it's (the crash) intentional or unintentional," said California Highway Patrol officer Nathan Baer, who was at the investigation scene Monday. "The 4runner did not negotiate the turn."

The 4runner landed approximately 350 feet down in heavy brush. The driver was ejected and Baer said investigators have reason to believe he was not wearing a safety belt.

According to Baer, the crash site is steep and remote. He said the 4runner will not be extricated from the area.

The man's body is not expected to be transported until approximately 2 p.m. when the coroner arrives on scene.

The crash remains under investigation. --Daniel Lane contributed to this report.