Laguna Niguel Man Killed in Fallbrook

A 72-year-old Laguna Niguel man was killed in Fallbrook  this morning when he drove off a road, down an embankment and hit a tree, the California Highway Patrol said.

The man was wearing his seatbelt, authorities said. His name has not been released.

The crash occurred near southbound Mission Road north of Green Canyon Road when the victim, who was driving a 2006 GMC Yukon,  ran off the west side of the road, authorities said.

The man's wife was taken to Palomar Pomerado Health  in Escondido with serious injuries, according to the Highway Patrol. Hospital spokesperson Andy Hoang confirmed the man's wife was being treated at the facility.

A witness reported seeing the man's vehicle drift to the right, go over the curb, down one embankment and then up another, and hit a tree head-on.

The witness located a nearby Highway Patrol officer, who drove to the scene. According to the officer, the victim stopped breathing shortly after he arrived and was pronounced dead at 8:51 a.m. His wife was alert and in the passenger seat.

The accident is under investigation, authorities said.