A 77-year-old Monterey man died early Monday in a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Santa Cruz.
California Highway Patrol officer Israel Murillo said CHP officers were dispatched to a report of the crash around 4:40am at the exit from northbound Highway 1 to Highway 17.
Murillo said the man, who has not been named, was driving a silver 2004 Ford Crown Victoria and for unknown reasons, he veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree.
The man suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, despite lifesaving efforts.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in this crash at this time.
