A solo vehicle crash in Hilmar Friday night claimed the life of a Newman man.

The deceased was identified by the Merced County Coroner’s Office as Javier Alvarez, 27, of Newman. Alvarez died at the scene of the accident according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at 8:49 p.m. Friday on Central Avenue in Hilmar, just north of Turner Avenue.

Alvarez was driving a 2001 Ford F-150 truck southbound on Central Avenue at an undetermined speed when for an unknown reason Alvarez allowed the truck to veer onto the shoulder of the road, according to the CHP.

 He attempted to get the truck back onto the road, but overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, the CHP reported.

The truck traveled in a southwesterly direction across Central Avenue and struck a section of barbed wire fencing on the west shoulder. The impact caused the truck to overturn. The truck landed on its roof in the southbound lane and west shoulder.

Alvarez was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The CHP stated that it is unknown at this time if driving under the influence was a factor in the crash.

The CHP Merced Area Office is investigating the death and is searching for any potential witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information about the crash can call 356-2956.