Man Ejected From Malibu Dies in Solo Fresno County Crash, Alcohol Suspected

A man in his 40s was killed Friday evening when his Chevrolet Malibu left Kearney Avenue in Fresno County at high speed, struck a palm tree on the south shoulder of the road, and ejected him from the vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

CHP officers and EMS personnel arrived at the scene at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Kearney Avenue west of Dickerson Avenue. Emergency responders performed life-saving measures on the driver, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP confirmed that no other vehicles or parties were involved in the collision.

According to the agency's preliminary investigation, the Malibu was traveling westbound on Kearney Avenue at a high rate of speed when the driver allowed the car to veer south and depart the roadway. The front-right of the vehicle struck a palm tree situated on the south shoulder of the road. The driver, who had not been buckled in, was ejected from the car as a result of the impact.

CHP said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash, and investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the collision. The agency is treating the crash as a suspected DUI case and has not announced charges.

The victim has not been publicly identified by authorities. He was the only occupant of the Malibu at the time of the crash. The Fresno County coroner's office is expected to release his name once next of kin have been notified.