A man was killed Monday afternoon in a solo vehicle crash on Auberry Road in Fresno County, authorities said.

The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Michael Williams, 72, of Auberry.

The California Highway Patrol Communications Center received multiple calls around 1:20 p.m. reporting the crash near Corlew Mountain Road, just south of Prather. CHP officers and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

A preliminary investigation found that Williams was traveling northbound in a pickup truck when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered to the right onto the east dirt shoulder. The truck struck large rocks along the shoulder, causing Williams to lose control. The vehicle then overturned and came to rest in the northbound lane, according to the CHP.

Williams, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered critical injuries. Bystanders helped remove him from the vehicle and began rendering first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash, authorities said.

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