An early evening vehicle accident on Sunday, Feb. 14 resulted in fatal injuries to the driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

The California Highway Patrol reported that a 23-year-old man, driving a 2021 Kia K5 westbound on River Road, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The incident occurred just after 6:45 p.m. and authorities said the driver – whose name was not available at press time due to the Monday holiday – was driving on River Road, west of Harrold, at a speed greater than 55 mph. He was believed to be impaired with alcohol and drugs and was potentially texting while driving, the CHP reported. He allowed the vehicle to leave the north side of the roadway, where it went into an almond orchard and collided with two mature almond trees. The 23-year-old man was not restrained and was ejected from the vehicle on impact. Paramedics responding to the scene performed CPR but were unable to revive the victim; he was pronounced dead on the scene.

The CHP also said the man was listed as a missing person out of El Dorado County.