CHP investigating fatal Windsor crash into tree

The driver of an SUV died Monday afternoon in Windsor after crashing into a tree on Slusser Road near the intersection of River Road.

The 71-year-old man, whose name is being withheld while next of kin is notified, failed to negotiate a left turn in the road and hit a tree head-on, according to the CHP.

The incident was reported at 1:30 p.m. and CHP said it is investigating whether impairment or a medical or mechanical issue were factors in the accident. Officers arrived within 10 minutes and firefighters with the Rincon Valley Fire Protection District declared the driver dead.

The driver was the only occupant, and first responders had to extricate the body from the wreckage. The roadway maintained a one-way traffic pattern Monday afternoon with a CHP officer directing cars while the agency and the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office worked the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to call CHP at 707-588-1400.

You can reach Staff Writer Kevin Fixler at 707-521-5336 or at kevin.fixler@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @kfixler.