One vehicle hits tree, driver dies in early morning crash

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. – One person has died following an early morning crash on Lutz Road on Friday, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department reported.

At 4:54 a.m., deputies were called to Lutz Road, near Roys Place, for a one vehicle crash into a tree.

An investigation found that 20-year-old Gerardo Menendez of the Three Rivers area was traveling southbound on Lutz Road when he lost control of his vehicle and went off the roadway to the right and struck a tree, deputies said.

Menendez was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Speed appeared to be a factor in the crash and a seatbelt was not worn at the time, deputies said.

Alcohol did not appear to be a factor, reports said.