Man, 41, Dies after Crashing into Tree on Burnt Hickory Road

A 41-year-old Marietta man died early this morning when he lost control of his sport utility vehicle while traveling south on Burnt Hickory Road and struck a tree.

continue to investigate the accident, which occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on a winding, two-lane portion of Burnt Hickory Road between Old Mountain Road and Devonwood Trail. According to police, the driver traveling in a pewter 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe at a high rate of speed when he improperly passed another vehicle, lost control of the Tahoe and struck a tree. The driver, the sole occupant of the Tahoe, died immediately upon impact.

Police have withheld the name of the driver until his family could be notified.

There are no charges pending in this case, and speed is considered a factor as well as the wet road conditions. Police are awaiting tests to see whether alcohol also played a role, according to WSB-TV.

Burnt Hickory Road near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was closed for about three hours during the cleanup and investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Geoff Culpepper at 770-794-5357.