An afternoon crash on Tuesday, Jan. 16 resulted in the death of an Escalon man, according to the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office. He was identified as 40-year-old Christopher Russell.

Escalon emergency crews, along with the California Highway Patrol, were dispatched to the accident scene shortly before 4 p.m., along Highway 120 east of Beeler Road.

The CHP report indicates that, in rainy weather, the 1998 Buick being driven eastbound by Russell on Highway 120 pulled in to the westbound lane to pass slower moving traffic, against double yellow lines. As westbound traffic approached, authorities said Russell abruptly steered his vehicle to the left and lost control. The car left the roadway and collided with a tree north of the highway; Russell succumbed to his injuries on scene.

The CHP report indicated it was unknown if drugs or alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the accident. Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call the CHP Stockton office at 209-938-4800.