HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE – A solo-vehicle collision in Napa County late last week claimed the life of a local man.

James Curtis Powell, 48, of Hidden Valley Lake died when his pickup overturned and went down an embankment, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol's Napa office.

Powell was driving his 1996 Ford Ranger northbound on Knoxville Road north of Eastside Road, in a remote area in the region of Lake Berryessa, the CHP reported.

He was traveling between 35 and 40 miles per hour when, for an unknown reason, his pickup veered to the left, in a right curve, colliding with a concrete bridge wall, according to the report.

Powell's pickup went over the roadway edge and rolled onto its side about 20 feet down the embankment, the CHP reported.

CHP reported that witnesses found Powell unresponsive inside the pickup.

Because of the area's remoteness, locating the vehicle required the CHP to use a helicopter, which helped guide emergency personnel to Powell's truck.

Powell was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP reported.

The investigation into the collision is still under way. CHP said that it's unknown if drugs or alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the fatal crash.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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