ST. CROIX — A 38-year-old man lost his life early Friday morning following a fatal single-vehicle accident at a construction zone on Northside Road, near Estate Clifton Hill. The V.I. Police Department identified the deceased as Angel P. Cruz.

According to a preliminary investigation conducted by the VIPD's Traffic Investigation Bureau, the accident occurred at approximately 6:11 a.m. Cruz was driving a blue Ford Escape and had reportedly been at a local bar in Estate Peters Rest shortly before the incident. Witnesses and evidence suggest he was traveling north on Clifton Hill Road (Route 75) at a speed unsafe for the construction conditions.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle skidded approximately 64 feet before striking a mound of wet dirt at the construction site. The impact caused the car to go airborne, traveling an additional 65 feet before landing on its roof in the mud. Cruz, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was violently thrown within the vehicle during the crash.

First responders, including personnel from Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), extricated Cruz from the overturned vehicle, according to police. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The VIPD's Traffic Investigation Bureau continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision.

The VIPD encourages residents and visitors to drive with caution, particularly in areas undergoing construction, and to always wear seatbelts. For more information, visit www.vipd.gov.vi.