Washington County: 1 dead following single-vehicle crash on I-41

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- One person has died following a single-vehicle crash that took place on I-41 just south of County Highway FD/Pioneer Road in the Village of Richfield.

The crash occurred on Friday, September 16th.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, preliminary investigation indicates an SUV, operated by a 35-year-old City of Hartford man, was traveling southbound on I-41 in the right lane, when it rapidly approached other southbound vehicles which were reducing speed due to a construction-related lane closure.

Officials say an apparent attempt to avoid striking a vehicle, the SUV swerved, lost control of the vehicle, and entered a grassy area between I-41 southbound and an on-ramp which caused the vehicle to roll several times, ejecting the driver.

The 35-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Medical Examiner's Office. Officials say he was not wearing a seat belt.

At this time, the accident remains under investigation by the sheriff's office.

The victim's name is being withheld pending family notification.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office says this is the counties tenth traffic fatality of the year.