Man Killed in Car Crash Near La Mesa

LA MESA, CA – An investigation was underway Monday into a crash just outside of La Mesa that sent a sports car off the side of State Route 94, killing the 24-year-old Oregon man behind the wheel.

The victim's 1998 Chevrolet Corvette sideswiped a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue at a high rate of speed in the westbound lanes approaching Bancroft Drive around 8:10 p.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Corvette's driver lost control after the initial crash and the car veered into the concrete barrier on the north side of the freeway, then went over the side. It fell about 70 feet onto Spring Street below, CHP Officer Kevin Pearlstein said.

The Corvette's driver died at the scene. The 50-year-old Spring Valley man in the Oldsmobile was not injured, Pearlstein said.

The crash prompted authorities to shut down Spring Street from Broadway to the north end of the freeway.

Pearlstein said it was unclear if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

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