Man Found Dead in Crash Near Murrieta

A 66-year-old man found dead at the wheel of a vehicle that crashed into a tree near Murrieta died from an undisclosed health disorder, not from injuries resulting from the accident, authorities said Friday.

Thomas Sciara of Hemet was discovered about 2:40 p.m. Thursday in his 1988 Ford Crown Victoria on Selinger Trail, just south of Wilson Valley Road, in Aguanga.

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig said Sciara was headed north on the rural, dirt road when he veered right and struck a tree while traveling 20-25 mph, causing “moderate to major” front-end damage to the vehicle.

“The driver experienced a debilitating medical event, which caused him to allow his vehicle to drift off of the roadway,” Lassig reported.

The specific nature of Sciara’s illness was not divulged.

The wreck was discovered by a passing motorist, who called 911.

First responders determined that Sciara had been dead for at least a half-hour and contacted the coroner’s office.

— City News Service contributed to this report. (Image via Google Maps)