An early morning accident Thursday, Sept. 11 claimed the life of an area man.

The California Highway Patrol investigated the crash, which occurred about 6:15 a.m. on Lone Tree Road, west of Carrolton. Though the CHP had not officially released the identity of the victim, sources said the driver killed was Shannon Joaquin, 29, who lived in the area and had attended Escalon High School.

His address was listed as French Camp on the CHP report, though sources said he sometimes lived there and sometimes in the Escalon area.

According to the CHP report, the driver was westbound on Lone Tree Road, west of Carrolton, in a 1994 Acura and was driving at a high rate of speed. The vehicle drifted to the right and the wheels went off onto the shoulder of the road. The driver steered back to the left in an attempt to get back on the roadway but lost control of the vehicle.

The car slid to the left, crossing over the eastbound lane of Lone tree Road. The driver applied the brakes as the vehicle left the paved roadway, leading with the passenger side. The right side of the Acura struck and sheared a wood power pole at its base, then continued into a pasture, where it struck a metal fence and two concrete irrigation vents before overturning.

CHP officials said the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected as a result of the crash. He sustained severe blunt force trauma and died as paramedics were transporting him to San Joaquin County Hospital He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 7:32 a.m. on Sept. 11.

Joaquin had spent some time at Escalon High School, reportedly leaving during his junior year in 2002. Deegan Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements, with services due on Monday at 2 p.m., graveside at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon.