Man Found Dead in Crash Into Tree Near Fairfax: CHP [UPDATED]

FAIRFAX, CA – Authorities have identified a man found dead early Tuesday after his BMW crashed into a tree just outside Fairfax near the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve.

Marin CHP officers and emergency personnel from the Marin County Sheriff's Office and the Ross Valley Fire Department were dispatched to the scene on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, west of Shadow Creek Court at 12:47 a.m. when a caller reporting hearing a very loud crash nearby, CHP Spokesman Andrew Barclay stated in a news release.

A dark-colored 2010 BMW M5 was found to have collided head-on with a large tree on the right shoulder of westbound Sir Francis Drake, according to the spokesman.

"The male driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was located in the driver seat of the BMW and was unresponsive upon our arrival," Barclay said. "The driver was subsequently pronounced deceased by paramedics on scene."

Tuesday afternoon, the coroner division of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as Brian P. Davis, a 51-year-old man with a temporary residence in Bolinas.

"The coroner’s investigation revealed a recent public social media posting related to Mr. Davis, indicating there was a concern for his welfare, as he recently voiced intent to harm himself," according to a statement from the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

The roadway was closed at the crash site until 5:40 a.m. while CHP officers conducted an investigation.

According to the Barclay, their preliminary investigation indicated the vehicle was traveling westbound on Sir Francis Drake "at a very high rate of speed when the driver failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a large tree on the right shoulder which caused major damage to the vehicle."

According to the Marin County Sheriff's Office statement, the initial scene investigation conducted by the Marin-area CHP suggested the BMW was traveling between 70 and 90 mph when it hit the tree. Additionally, authorities said, no evidence of skid marks was identified on the pavement leading to the area of impact and there were no initial indications another vehicle was involved in the incident.

The coroner's division is investigating the cause and manner of Davis' death. An autopsy and toxicology testing are scheduled for later this week. Results of the examination will be pending toxicology results and the conclusion of the CHP investigation, authorities said Tuesday afternoon.