1 person dies in accident at Caples Lake

A Florida man died Monday when the vehicle he was driving went off the road near Caples Lake dam.

The name of the 25-year-old from Hobe Sound is not being released pending notification of family.

According to California Highway Patrolman Paul Smyrski, the victim was headed toward Kirkwood on Highway 88 at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle. About 1 inch of snow was on the ground. The Toyota pickup did not make the sharp left onto the dam. The vehicle left the road, went up a dirt embankment, struck a tree and sign post and then went airborne.

The vehicle then hit a metal gate and post before it went off a small cliff, hit a cedar tree and landed on the driver’s side.

The drive was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smyrski told Lake Tahoe News alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the April 14 4:45pm fatality.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report