(FLORENCE TOWNSHIP) – A one vehicle crash claimed the life of the driver.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite says at 7:50 AM Tuesday, his deputies were called to a single vehicle crash on Centreville-Constantine Road, between Roys Road and Sevison Road in Florence Township.

The preliminary investigation shows that a vehicle was traveling southwest on Centreville-Constantine Road before crossing the center line, drifting off the roadway to the left, then striking several trees before coming to a stop.

Deputies arrived and found the driver, a 21 year old Constantine man, unresponsive and trapped in the driver's seat. The Constantine Fire Department and Life Care Ambulance arrived and removed the driver, and started life saving measures, however the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 1 year old child, who was properly secured in the rear seat, was uninjured, but was transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure.

At this time deputies believe speed to be a factor, and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.

Also assisting at the scene were the Michigan State Police, St. Joseph County Victims Services, and the Western Michigan University Medical Examiners Office.