April 14, 2021 6:00 a.m.

A fatal crash claimed one life near Winston on Tuesday night.

Sergeant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said just before 11:30 p.m. dispatchers received reports of a single vehicle crash in the 5,000 block of Willis Creek Road.

O’Dell said when deputies arrived, they located a 1990’s pickup which had been traveling northeast before leaving the roadway and striking a tree in a small ravine. The vehicle became engulfed in flames which also started a small grass fire. Deputies located one occupant inside of the vehicle, who was declared deceased at the scene. O’Dell said speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the death and attempting to positively identify the occupant. O’Dell said next of kin notification is pending.