Fatal crash resulting in one death under investigation

A crash left one dead after a vehicle skidded and overturned onto a dirt shoulder on State Route 115 in Imperial County last month.

California Highway Patrol said the incident happened when a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country van was traveling southbound on SR-115 when the driver experienced a rear-tire tread separation.

Officers said the driver, identified as 67-year-old Cleofas Esparaza, lost control of the van and skidded off the paved road onto the dirt shoulder, where it overturned.

The vehicle had seven occupants in total.

Officers said a 27-year-old unidentified man was ejected from the van and landed in an agricultural field. He died at the scene.

CHP said it is unclear if the passenger was properly restrained.

The six other occupants were not ejected and sustained minor to moderate injuries ranging from lacerations to complaints of pain. They were all restrained.

This collision is still under investigation.