A single vehicle crash on Highway 99 in Turlock resulted in one fatality when the driver was thrown from his vehicle when it overturned down an embankment.

The deceased was identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as Arthur Saarloos, 54, of Oakdale.

The crash was reported to the California Highway Patrol around 6:22 a.m. Friday, July 15 on southbound Highway 99, just south of Fulkerth Road.

Saarloos was driving a 2005 Chevy SUV southbound in the number three lane, which is the one closest to the on and off ramps.

For an unknown reason, Saarloos allowed the Chevy to drift into the middle lane. He then made a sharp turn to the right, which sent the vehicle across the number three lane and off the highway, according to the CHP.

As the vehicle went off the highway, it began to overturn, causing Saarloos to be ejected. The CHP said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The SUV overturned several times before coming to a rest on its wheels.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found the wreck off the west side of the highway. Saarloos was located underneath the vehicle. He had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

It’s unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol played a part in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

The CHP reminded people that seat belts, when worn properly, have the ability to save a life when involved in a traffic collision.